The effect of TENS on peripheral nerve regeneration in rabbits

Objective To investigate the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation(TENS) on peripheral never regeneration in rabbits. Methods Eighteen healthy rabbits were randomized 3 groups (e.g. groups A, B, C). The peroneal nerves on both sides were transected in each animal, with their distal segments sutured to the tibial nerve with epineural windows in an end to side style. TENS was performed in the left hindlimbs of all the rabbits in groups A, B, C for 3, 6, 16 weeks, respectively, the right hindlimb was not treated with TENS and served as control. At the end of the experiment, gross appearance observation, neurohistological and electrophysiological examination were conducted.Results Compared with the right hindlimb, the left side had more regenerated myelinated nerve fibers, and the motor nerve conduction velocity, amplitude of compound muscle action potential were larger than that in the right side(P0.05). Conclusion TENS had beneficial effect on peripheral nerve regeneration, and could promote the peripheral nerve collateral sprouting.