[An experimental study on protective effects of Schwann cell cooperation with ECM gel to neurons in rat dorsal root ganglion].

OBJECTIVE

To research the protective effect of Schwann cell and extracellular matrix (ECM) gel on neurons in dorsal root ganglion.

METHODS

1. Schwann cells were seeded into 30% ECM at 1 x 10(8)/ml and then implanted into PLA hollow fiber conduits to repair 10 mm length defects of rat sciatic nerve, and histological observation was taken at 8 and 12 weeks after operation. 2. To observe the survival of Schwann cells, Schwann cells labeled BrdU were seeded into 30% ECM at 1 x 10(8)/ml and then implanted into PLA hollow fiber conduits to repair 10 mm length defects of rat sciatic nerve. Histological observation and immunohistochemical method stained with BrdU were done at 3 and 6 weeks after operation.

RESULTS

1. When seeded into ECM gel and transplanted into rats, most of the Schwann cells survived to 3 weeks and a part of them survived up to 6 weeks. 2. The survival neuron ratios of Schwann cells with ECM gel group and ECM gel group were 83.5% and 81.3% respectively, and significantly higher than that of saline group (72.9%, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

When seeded into ECM gel and transplanted into rats, most of the Schwann cells survive and protect 83.5% neurons in dorsal root ganglion from retrograde death.