A new artificial nerve graft containing rolled Schwann cell monolayers

This study hypothesized that introducing high numbers of Schwann cells in m onolayers via a novel rolled graft architecture would promote robust nerve regeneration. The objective was to place adherent Schwann cells in artifici al nerve grafts and to assess regeneration through the Schwann cell-laden g rafts compared with that through acellular grafts and autografts, Schwann c ells were isolated from neonatal Fisher rats. Small intestinal submucosa (S IS) was harvested from adult Fisher rats, cut into 7 mm x 8 cm pieces, and pinned out, Schwann cells were plated onto the strips, allowed to reach con fluence, and subsequently rolled into a laminar structure and implanted acr oss a 7-mm gap in the rat sciatic nerve (n = 12). Control animals received SIS conduits without Schwann cells (n = 11) or autograft repair (n = 12), A t 10.5 weeks, functional regeneration through the Schwann cell-laden grafts , measured by both sciatic function index and extensor postural thrust test ing, exceeded that through the cell-free grafts and approached that achieve d through autografts. These results highlight the role of Schwann cells in nerve regeneration. Regenerative results approaching autograft levels in th e Schwann cell-laden group suggest that this methodology may ultimately be useful in clinical nerve repair. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.