A new application of biological tube repair on defected rats sciatic nerve

Autogenous nerve grafting is known as the most successful application at repairing peripheral nerve defects. However, many biological and synthetic conductor tubes were tested in experimental and clinical studies. But so far there is no new application found better than autogenous nerve grafting. The purpose of this study is to describe a new application on repairing defected peripheral nerves against autogenous nerve grafting. İn our study; 28 adult male Wistar Albino rats weighing aproximately 300 g were used. Rats were divided in to four groups which each group have seven rats and each group was applied a different transaction. Standard 10 mm defect was created in the sciatic nerve in all rats. Defected sciatic nerves in the first group were not repaired. Rats in the second group, were repaired with an autogenic nerve graft. The rats in the third group were repaired with a conventional vein graft. The rats in the fourth group were repaired with vein graft filled with shattered nerves. 12 weeks after nerve repairing, electrophysiological recordings were taken. Latency times and peak-to-peak potential were measured from electrophysiological recordings. After electrophysiological recording process is completed, a biopsy was performed for histopathological examination. Biopsy samples were evaluated by light and electron microscopy. İn first group, there were no electrophysiological records because of the defect of the sciatic nerve. Group 2-3-4, latency times and peak-to-peak potential were statistically compared. İn Group 2 latency times were statistically significantly shorter than Group 3. İn Group 2 peak-to-peak potentials were higher than Group 3. There was no statistically significant difference between Group 2-4, Group 3-4. For examining axonal regeneration; number of axon, axon diameter, myelin thickness were measured. Group 2 and Group 4 have better axonal regeneration than Group 3. Group 2 and 4 had similar axonal regenerations. As a result, the application of inta-venous graft filled with shattered nerves have similar results with application of autogenous nerve graft. These results show, us that technique could be an alternative to the autogenous nerve graft.