Study on degradation of polylactic acid filaments in peripheral nerve
- VernacularTitle:聚乳酸微丝在外周神经内的降解性研究
- Author:
Qingtang ZHU
;
Jiakai ZHU
;
Xiaolin LIU
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Polylactic acid;
Degradation;
Peripheral nerves;
Tissue engineering
- From:
Chinese Journal of Microsurgery
1998;0(01):-
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective Investigate the degradation process of polyactic acid (PLA) filaments within peripheral nerves and its adverse effects on peripheral nerve. Method Bilateral sciatic nerves of 20 SD rats were exposed, and PLA filaments were implanted among the fascicles at one side, while Vicryl filaments were implanted into the contralateral nerve as control. The filaments and nerves were harvested at 1,4,8 and 12 weeks postoperatively, and inspected by macroscopy, light microscope and transmission electron microscope. Results The degradation occurred not only on the surface but also inside the PLA filaments after they were implanted into the sciatic nerve. PLA fragments still could be found at the end of this study. During the degradation of PLA filaments, macrophages invaded into the filaments and exhibited active phagocytosis. There were mild degree infiltration of lymphocytes and fibroblast around the filaments during their degradation. However, the structure of peripheral nerve didnt change significantly. Conclusion It takes more than 12 weeks that PLA filaments degrade in peripheral nerve completely. Mild nonspecific inflammation develops following the implantation of PLA filaments into peripheral nerve, but it has no adverse effects on nerve.
