Regeneration of a transected peripheral nerve by transplantation of spinalcord encapsulated in a vein

The objective was to investigate the regeneration of a transected periphera l nerve after transplantation of fragmented embryonic (E14-15) spinal cord cells which were encapsulated within a vein cavity. After 3 months transpla ntation, axonal regeneration was observed by staining with HE and antibody to neurofilament subtypes in six of 10 rats. In all six animals compound mu scle action potentials to electrical stimulation could be recorded and indi cated incomplete reinnervation of the fibular and tibial nerve, respectivel y. A chronic inflammation process around the transplant and a negative resu lt of staining neurofilaments within the vein cavity and the transected ner ve were found in animals lacking electrophysiological response to stimulati on. NeuroReport 12:1271-1275 (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.