Electronmicroscopical evaluation of short-term nerve regeneration through a thin-walled biodegradable poly(DLLA-epsilon-CL) nerve guide filled with modified denatured muscle tissue

The aim of this study was to evaluate short-term peripheral nerve regenerat ion across a 15-mm gap in the sciatic nerve of the rat, using a thin-walled biodegradable poly(DL-lactide-epsilon -caprolactone) nerve guide filled wi th modified denatured muscle tissue (MDMT). The evaluation was performed us ing transmission electron microscopy and morphometric analysis. Evaluation times ranged from 3 to 12 weeks after reconstruction, Already, 3 weeks afte r reconstruction, myelinated nerve fibers could be observed in the distal n erve stump. Twelve weeks after reconstruction, the number of (non)myelinate d nerve fibers had significantly increased in the distal nerve stump. From this study, we can conclude that a thin-walled biodegradable poly(DL-lactid e-epsilon -caprolactone) nerve guides filled with MDMT can be successfully applied in the reconstruction of severed nerves in the rat model. Furthermo re, we showed fast nerve regeneration across the 15-mm nerve gap and found that the use of MDMT functioned as a mechanical support preventing a collap se of this thin-walled nerve guide. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All righ ts reserved.