[Comparison of competence of olfactory globular nerve layer gliocytes, olfactory epithelial gliacytes and SC in repairing nerve defect].

OBJECTIVE

To compare their competence of olfactory epithelial gliocytes, olfactory globular nerve layer (OGNL) gliocytes and SC in repair nerve defect of sciatic nerve, and select the best gliocytes for repair of peripheral nerve defect.

METHODS

Olfactory epithelial gliocytes, OGNL gliocytes and SC were extracted from 20 female Wistar rats aged 2-3 months and cultured in vitro for 2 weeks, then purified and condensed for transplantation. Eighty adult female Wistar rats were randomized into groups A, B, C and D (n = 20). The left sciatic nerves were excised 25 mm axons and retained epineurium lumen anastomosed to proximal ends. The culture mediums, SC, OGNL gliocytes, and olfactory epithelial gliocytes were transplanted into the epineurium lumen of groups A, B, C and D, respectively. Three months postoperatively, the injured sciatic nerve regeneration was evaluated by methods of macroscopic observation, photomicroscope, transmission electron microscope, retro-marked fluorescence transportation distance, the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and nerve growth factor (NGF) were assayed by immunofluorescence, and the myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofilament (NF) protein were assayed by ELISA.

RESULTS

The scores of ankle joint were (3.325 +/- 0.963), (4.200 +/- 1.005), (5.143 +/- 0.635) and (5.950 +/- 0.154) in groups A, B, C and D, respectively; showing statistically significant difference between groups (P < 0.05). The observations of gross, sections under microscope and transmission electron microscope showed the regeneration of defect nerve was best in group D, followed by group C, and group B was superior to group A. The transportation distance of retro-marked fluorescence was longest in group D, followed by group C, and group B was superior to group A. The concentrations of GFAP and NGF were largest in group D, followed by group C, and group B was superior to group A. The MBP concentrations were (9.817 +/- 3.267), (12.347 +/- 3.091), (14.937 +/- 2.075) and (22.757 +/- 0.871) ng/mL in groups A, B, C and D, respectively; showing statistically significant difference between other groups (P < 0.05) except between group A and group B (P > 0.05). And the NF concentrations were (13.869 +/- 5.677), (18.498 +/- 3.889), (23.443 +/- 2.260) and (27.610 +/- 1.125) ng/mL in groups A, B, C and D, respectively; showing statistically significant difference between groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Olfactory epithelial gliocytes, OGNL gliocytes and SC transplantation could repair injured nerve. The competence of olfactory epitheliums is superior to the OGNL gliocytes and SC, and the OGNL gliocytes is better than SC.