[Repair of peripheral nerve defect by a scroll of amnion derivative compound with cultured autogenous Schwann cell in a rat model].

OBJECTIVE

To test a nerve bridge substitute for peripheral nerve repair by tissue-engineering approach.

METHODS

An artificial nerve fabricated with a scroll of amnion derivative (ZQ membrane) and cultured autogenous Schwann cell was sutured to bridge sciatic nerve defect of 2.5 cm in length in rats. The specimens were assessed with tracking study, histology, electrophysiological technique, NF200, and synaptophysin-38 (SYP) immuno histochemical staining 3 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

The regenerated nerve sprouted 3 months after the operation. The regenerated nerve fibers were plentiful and could grow into the recipient nerve and target muscle's motor end plate (MEP) areas to reinnervate target muscle, and reconstruct function of nerve-muscle junction. Functional recovery could reach to 40%-60% of normal control. Nerve-muscle conduction velocity (N-MCV) arrived at 21.77 +/- 1.15 m/s.

CONCLUSIONS

A tissue engineering material fabricated with a scroll of ZQ membrane and cultured autologous Schwann cell may be a useful substitute for nerve repair.