Functional Recovery of Transected Peripheral Nerve by Means of Microwave Irradiated Collagen Nerve Guides Filled With Chick Embryonic Cerebrospinal Fluid in Rats

Abstract

Objective: The physical properties of nerve guidance channel and components of the regenerating microenvironment can significantly enhance regeneration. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of embryo cerebrospinal fluid (ECSF) in nerve regeneration across the microwave irradiated collagen nerve guides in comparison with autograft. Material and Methods: Under general anesthesia, the left sciatic nerve was exposed and 10 mm nerve segment defect was created in 40 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (250-300 g). Animals were randomly divided into 4 experimental groups: repair with reversed autograft, reconstruction with collagen nerve conduit filled with ECSF, reconstruction with collagen nerve conduit filled with normal saline (NS) and sham surgery. All animals were evaluated by sciatic functional index (SFI), electrophysiology, and histopathological staining at weeks 4 and 12 after surgery. Results: The mean SFI value of group collagen + ECSF and autograft was significantly higher than that of group NS on days 49 and 60 post-operation (P < 0.05). After 90 days after the operation, the mean nerve conduction velocity (NCV) of groups collagen + ECSF and autograft were significantly faster than NS group (P < 0.05). The regenerated nerves of groups collagen + ECSF and autograft were more mature than that of the group NS group at day 90 (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between groups collagen + ECSF and autograft. Conclusion: These findings showed that chick CSF in collagen guide can enhance nerve regeneration and promote functional recovery in the injured sciatic nerve of rats.