Chitin enhances neural reconstruction after sciatic nerve injury in rats

Objective To investigate the effects of chitin on the functional recovery after sciatic nerve axotomy. Methods Upon silicone-tubulization of the transected sciatic nerve in the adult rats, either 0.9% saline or 1% chitin solution was injected into the silicone chamber. The status of functional recovery of the injured sciatic nerve was observed by electrophysiological analysis, hydrogen-peroxide oxidoreductase (HRP) retrograde trace method, and axon morphometric analysis at 30 and 90 d respectively after sciatic nerve transection. Results ① Chitin shortened the latent period of CMAP by 1.79 ms and 1.29 ms, promoted the nerve conduction velocity by 16.00 m/s and 22.00 m/s, enhanced the amplitude by 8.17 mv and 12.42 mv, respectively, at 30 and 90 d after sciatic nerve transection (P0.01). ② Chitin increased the HRP positive cells in the lateral nucleus of spinal anterior horn by 24.00% and 72.90%, respectively, at 30 and 90 d after sciatic nerve transection (P0.01). ③ The number of nerve fibers increased by 2 691/mm 2 and 3 502/mm 2; the thickness of myelin increased by 0.91 μm and 1.55 μm, respectively at the same days (P0.01). Conclusion Chitin is capable of promoting the functional recovery after peripheral nerve injury.