PERIPHERAL-NERVE REGENERATION THROUGH SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEGENERATED NERVE TRANSPLANTS

The present study was designed to compare degenerative potential of no rmal and degenerated nerve grafts. Peripheral nerves in rats were indu ced to undergo in situ degeneration for a period of 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months. During early phase of denervation the myelin and axons dege nerated and were absorbed. With prolonged denervation(i.e. 12 months), such nerves were reduced in size and exhibited extensive fibrosis. A 2 cm long segment of the degenerated nerve was transplanted in an surg ically created gap in the host peroneal nerve to evaluate their regene ration supporting ability. Regeneration of host axons occurred rapidly through nerves degenerated for a period up regeneration was compromis ed in B-month degenerated nerve group, and was significantly reduced i n the 12-month degenerated nerve grafts. These results show that with extended degeneration interval, the regeneration supporting ability of nerves is compromised. It is concluded that nerve repair should not b e excessively delayed in order to compromise recovery.