The microenvironment after peripheral nerve injury becomes complicated for axon regeneration, which can be promotion, inhibition, or both. This paper summarized the researches about the effect of microenvironment on axon regeneration after peripheal nerve injury.

Objective To observe the effects of Jiaji electroacupuncture and neurodynamic mobilization technique on axon regeneration and content of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) in rabbits with sciatic nerve injury. Methods 30 male adult rabbits were assigned to sham (A, n=6), model (B, n=6), neurodynamic mobilization (C, n=6), Jiaji electroacupuncture (D, n=6), and Jiaji electroacupuncture combine with neurodynamic mobilization (E, n=6) groups. The group C was treated with neurodynamic mobilization, the group D with Jiaji electroacupuncture, and the group D with both 3 days after modeling of clamping at sciatic nerve, while the groups A and B with no treatment. The axon regeneration was observed with HE staining, and the content of BDNF and CNTF in serum was measured with ELISA 4 weeks after treatment. Results The axons regeneration was observed better in the groups C, D and E than in the group B. The content of BDNF and CNTF was more in the groups C, D and E than in the group B (P<0.05). Conclusion Both Jiaji electroacupuncture and neurodynamic mobilization can improve axon regeneration with synergistic action, which may associate with the increase of BDNF and CNTF in serum.