Objective To investigate the feasibility of combing the application of transforming growth factor-β3 (TGF-β3) with concentration of 100 ng/μl and dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) for recovering rabbit facial nerve transverse trauma.Methods Thirty-six healthy adult Zelanian rabbits of clean-grade were selected and randomly divided into group DPSCs+TGF-β3 (experimental group), group TGF-β3 (control group 1) and group PBS (control group 2) with 12 rabbits in each group.The operations for all three groups were applied at rabbit's left cheek.A model of traumatic transection was set on upper buccal branch, then 100 ng/μl TGF-β3 solution and 0.1 ml of 1 ×108/L DPSCs suspension were added into regeneration chamber for the experimental group, while the same amount of 100 ng/μl TGF-β3 solution was added for group TGF-β3 and the same amount of PBS for group PBS.The recovery of facial nerve regeneration with the prepared animal's specimen was evaluated in the 1st, 4th and 12th week after the operation on sacrificed rabbits.Results The effects on nerve regeneration recovery for the experimental group was superior to that of control groups 1 and 2 with all the 36 models included in the result analysis, and that of control group 1 was superior to that of control group 2, which was getting better with the extension of time.Conclusions The combined application of TGF-β3 and DPSCs can effectively promote the facial nerve regeneration, which is better than that of single application of TGF-β3.Meanwhile, the effect with TGFβ3 application is better than that with application of PBS.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of using transforming growth factor-β3 (TGF-β3) combined with dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) on the regeneration of rabbit facial nerve.MethodsSixteen New Zealand adult rabbits were selected randomly.These rabbits were divided into three groups (TGF-β3 and DPSCs treated group,TGF-β3 control group and PBS control group.treatment group (silicone guidance channel with collagen protein sponge were filled with TGF-β3 and DPSCs),TGF-β3 control group (silicone guidance channel with collagen protein sponge were filled with TGF-β3) and PBS control group(silicone guidance channel with collagen protein sponge were filled with PBS).After 3 months,a series of examinations were performed,including gross morphology,histological staining,neuroelectrophysiological tset.ResultsIn the experimental group,the diameter of the regenerating nerve and near distal nerve stem were almost the same.There were no formation of neuroma.The adventitial angiogenesis was rich and with tough texture.3 months after operation,in the experimental group,the facial nerve membrane integrity,nerve fibers arranged in neat rows,form a more complete,myelin swelling.The total number of regeneration of nerve fibers in the experimental group were more than of control groups,statistical analysis was significant (P＜0.05).Diameter of regenerating nerve fibers in the experimental group were greater than that of control groups,statistical analysis was significant (P＜0.05).The ultra-thin section showed that the regenerated fibers in the treatment group were mainly myelinated never fiber.The layer structure of myelin sheath was clear,and there were rich organells axoplasma.The neuroelectrophysiological examinations revealed that the latency of nerve and muscle action conduction in the treatment group was shorter than that of the control groups,the treatment group:(1.96±0.32) ms,the TGF-β3 control group:(2.35±0.41) ms,the PBS control group:(3.42±0.55) ms.The wave amplitude of nerve and muscle action conduction in the treatment group was obviously higher than that of control groups,the treatment group:(11.06±3.25) mV,the TGF-β3 control group:(8.40± 1.68) mV,the PBS control group:(4.62±0.77) mV.ConclusionThe combination of TGF-β3 and DPSCs can improve the effects on the repair of facial nerve injury.