| ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of FK506 sustained-release poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) conduits for nerve reconstruction in rats, and observe the nerve regeneration of tibial nerve.MethodForty-five adult female SD rats were assigned to 3 groups randomly. Each group involved fifteen rats. Group A was an interposition autograft group in which a 6-mm segment of tibial nerve was transacted, flipped, and followed by epineurial repair. Group B and C underwent transaction followed by entubulation neurorrhaphy with PLGA conduits or FK506 sustained-release PLGA conduits. The nerve regeneration and functional recovery were evaluated by daily observation, sciatic function index assessment, electrophysiologic study,histological examination, and the weight of gastrocnemius muscle at weeks 3, 6, and 12 postoperatively.ResultsThe spontaneous movement in right hindlimb of all groups didn't have improvement after 3 weeks, and the histological examination showed better nerve regeneration in group C than group A and B (P value <0.05 were considered significant). Group A and C were noted to have improvement of spontaneous movement in hindlimb after 6 weeks, and have better results in the sciatic function index assessment and electrophysiologic study than group B. All rats in all groups were noted to have improvement of spontaneous movement in hindlimb after 12 weeks, but group A and C were superior than group B. The sciatic function index assessment, electrophysiologic study, histological examination, and the weight of gastrocnemius muscle also showed better results in group A and C than group B.ConclusionThe tibial nerve defect of rat following by entubulation neurorrhaphy with FK506 sustained-release PLGA conduits demonstrated superior results in nerve regeneration, and the functional rehabilitation was similar to autograft group at advanced stage. |
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