AIMTo compare the effects of primary culture Schwann cells and cryopreserved Schwann cells on the injured peripheral nerve regeneration.

METHODSThe primary culture Schwann cells and cryopreserved Schwann cells were transplanted into the silicone tubes that bridged the resected sciatic nerves. At different time after transplantation, HRP was injected into the sciatic nerve trunks at the distal end of the silicone tubes, and then the HRP labeled neurons in dorsal root ganglions and anterior horns of spinal cord were counted. The complex action potential of regenerated nerve fibers was measured. Myelination on regenerated nerve fibers was investigated under electronic microscope.

RESULTSAt different time after transplantation, there were not significant differences that the HRP labeled neurons in dorsal root ganglions and anterior horns of spinal cord, the complex action potential of regenerated nerve fibers and myelination on regenerated nerve fibers (P > 0.05), between primary culture and cryopreserved Schwann cells.

CONCLUSIONThe cryopreserved Schwann cells still play the same important role in the regeneration of injured peripheral nerves as the primary culture Schwann cells do.