Synthetic collagen fibers coated with a synthetic peptide containing the YIGSR sequence of laminin to promote peripheral nerve regeneration in vivo

The usefulness of collagen fibers and the YIGSR sequence (Tyr-Ile-Gly-Ser-A rg) of laminin for nerve regeneration were examined in vivo. Type I collage n gel (G-group), Type I collagen fibers (F-group), Type I collagen fibers c oated with laminin (L-group) or the YIGSR sequence (Y-group) were packed in to silicone tubes, 15 mm long, and transplanted to the sciatic nerves of Wi star rats, Empty silicone tubes were used as the control. The animals were sacrificed 8 weeks after transplantation. Bridging of the nerve was confirm ed in the F-(7/12), Y-(7/10) and L-group (6/10), but no bridging was observ ed in any of the animals of the G- and control group. Nerve regeneration am ong the space of collagen fibers was observed, and it was suggested that fi broblasts infiltrated the gap in the substance of the degenerated collagen fibers were followed by Schwann cells on the basis of immunocytochemistry. The number of myelinated axons per regenerated tissue in the tube (density) , and total area of myelinated axons per measured regenerated tissue in the tube (% axon area) in each the L- and V-group were significantly higher th an that in the F-group (P< 0.05), These results suggest the possibility of obtaining adequate nerve regeneration with new artificial materials only. ( C) 1999 Kluwer Academic Publishers.