OBJECTIVETo evaluate the local effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on transected sciatic nerve regeneration.

METHODSSixty male white Wistar rats were divided into four experimental groups randomly (n equal to 15). In transected group the left sciatic nerve was transected and the stump was fixed to adjacent muscle. In treatment group the defect was bridged using a silicone graft filled with 10 microlitre VEGF. In silicone group the graft was filled with phosphate-buffered saline. In sham-operated group the sciatic nerve was exposed and manipulated. Each group was subdivided into three subgroups with five animals in each and nerve fibers were studied 4, 8 and 12 weeks after operation.

RESULTSBehavioral test, functional study of sciatic nerve, gastrocnemius muscle mass and morphometric indices confirmed a faster recovery of regenerated axons in VEGF group than in silicone group (P less than 0.05). In immunohistochemical assessment, reactions to S-100 in VEGF group were more positive than that in silicone group.

CONCLUSIONLocal administration of VEGF will improve functional recovery and morphometric indices of sciatic nerve.

Administration, Topical ; Animals ; Nerve Regeneration ; drug effects ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Sciatic Nerve ; surgery ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

PURPOSETo study the effects of transplantation of characterized uncultured stromal vascular fraction (SVF) on sciatic nerve regeneration.

METHODSA 10-mm sciatic nerve defect was bridged using a silicone conduit filled with SVF. In control group, silicone conduit was filled with phosphate-buffered saline alone. In sham-operated group, the sciatic nerve was only exposed and manipulated. The regenerated nerve fibers were studied 8 and 12 weeks after surgery.

RESULTSBehavioral and functional studies confirmed faster recovery of regenerated axons in SVF transplanted animals than in control group (p<0.05). Gastrocnemius muscle mass in SVF transplanted animal was found to be significantly more than that in control group. Morphometric indices of the regenerated fibers showed the number and diameter of the myelinated fibers to be significantly higher in SVF transplanted animals than in control group. In immunohistochemistry, the location of reactions to S- 100 in SVF transplanted animals was clearly more positive than that in control group.

CONCLUSIONSVF transplantation combined with silicone conduit could be considered as a readily accessible source of stromal cells that improves functional recovery of sciatic nerve. It may have clinical implications for the surgical management of acute diabetic patients after facial nerve transection.

Animals ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; physiopathology ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Nerve Regeneration ; physiology ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Sciatic Nerve ; physiology ; Silicone Elastomers ; pharmacology ; Stromal Cells ; physiology