Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2010, Vol. 14 ›› Issue (34): 6313-6318.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-8225.2010.34.011

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Polylactic/poly glycolic acid copolymer three-dimensional conduit repairs peripheral nerve defects

Li Zhi-yue1, Li Ji-cai2, Zhao Qun1   

  1. 1 Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha   410013, Hunan Province, China; 2 Department of Orthopaedics, Shimen People's Hospital, Changde   415137, Hunan Province, China
  • Online:2010-08-20 Published:2010-08-20
  • Contact: Li Ji-cai, Associate chief physician, Department of Orthopaedics, Shimen People's Hospital, Changde 415137, Hunan Province, China
  • About author:Li Zhi-yue☆, Doctor, Associate professor, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan Province, China lizhiyuecs@163.com
  • Supported by:

     the Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province No.06jj4022*

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Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Allogeneic nerve graft is restricted due to difficulty to eliminate host immune rejection, many scholars have tried to substitute with other tissues, but the results are unsatisfactory. At present, there is no an acknowledged artificial nerve with satisfactory results, nerve autograft is still considered the best choice.
OBJECTIVE: To study the feasibility of applying three-dimensional polylactic/poly glycolic acid (PLGA) conduit on repairing rat peripheral nerve defects, and to investigate the role of microfilaments in conduit and influence of various amounts of microfilaments on neural regeneration.
METHODS: A 12-mm defect in left sciatic nerve was produced in 40 adult SD rats, which were randomly divided into 4 groups: Group A: PLGA conduit; Group B: PLGA conduit plus 20 microfilaments; Group C: PLGA conduit plus 40 microfilaments; Group D: nerve autograft. PLGA conduit was filled with laminin and nerve growth factor mixture. After operation, muscular atrophy and limp were dynamically observed, conduction velocity of regenerated nerves in conduit and resumption rate of wet weight of triceps muscle were measured. Histological and imaging analysis were performed in 1/3 segment of the regenerated nerves for the recovery of nerve repair. 
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: All the regenerated nerved grew into the distal end via conduits after modeling. The diameter of regenerating nerves was thicker in group B and D than in group A and C. Compared group B and D with group A and C, the conducting velocity was faster (P < 0.05). The atrophy of triceps muscle regained better in group B and D than in group A and C, however, there was no significant difference between group B and D as to atrophy of triceps muscle. Pathological imaging analysis showed that, the amount of nerve fibers was the most in group D, then in group B. There were significant differences between group A and group C (P < 0.05). The amount and density of nerve fibers in group B and D were superior to that in group A and C. The new three-dimensional conduit made with PLGA and microfilaments can effectively repair nerve defect in sciatic nerve of SD rats, thus considered as an ideal nerve conduit; Microfilaments in nerve conduit can guide neural regeneration, excessive microfilaments may inhibit neural regeneration.

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