INFLAMMATORY CELLS AND MEDIATORS IN THE SILICONE CHAMBER MODEL FOR NERVE REGENERATION

In the present study the inflammatory response was quantitatively eval uated during peripheral nerve regeneration. The fluid from silicone ne rve regeneration chambers, inserted in rats, was collected during the early period of regeneration of transected sciatic nerves (6 h-7 d) an d analysed with respect to inflammatory cells and mediators (leukotrie ne B4, LTB4, and interleukin-1alpha, IL-1alpha). Leucocytes were detec ted during the entire period (up to 7d after implantation). The highes t concentration was detected after 24 h. PMNG (polymorphonuclear granu locyte) was the predominant cell type in the chamber fluid during the initial 5 d of regeneration. Analysis of the concentration of LTB4 dem onstrated two peaks (at 24 h and 5 d). The IL-1alpha concentration dis played an early and relatively smaller peak after 24 h and a second an d much larger peak after 7 d, concomitant with an increase of the numb er of mononuclear cells.