Y. Suzuki et al., Cat peripheral nerve regeneration across 50 mm gap repaired with a novel nerve guide composed of freeze-dried alginate gel, NEUROSCI L, 259(2), 1999, pp. 75-78
We have developed a novel artificial nerve guide composed of biodegradable
freeze-dried alginate gel covered by polyglycolic acid mesh, and evaluated
its effect on peripheral nerve regeneration, using a 50-mm gap cat sciatic
nerve model. Functional reinnervation of motor and sensory nerves occurred
13 weeks after implantation, as demonstrated by recovery of compound muscle
action potential (CMAP) and somatosensory evoked potential (SEP). For hist
ologic evaluation, samples of tissue were harvested from the grafted materi
al segment 7 months after operation. Many newly developed nerve fasciculi w
ere found, and the implanted nerve guidance material had completely disappe
ared with little inflammation. These results indicate that freeze-dried alg
inate gel allows the nerve to regenerate across longer gaps than described
in previous literature. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science ireland Ltd. All rights r
eserved.