Philippine Journal of Surgical Specialties Vol. 68, No. 3, July-December 2013, pp 90-95
Inside-out Vein Graft vs Autogenous Nerve Graft in Promoting Axonal Regeneration: An Experimental Study in a Rat Model
Author(s): Tammy Dela Rosa, M.D., MMedSc1, Patrick M. Dion, M.D. and Emmanuel P. Estrella, M.D.
Abstract:
Background: An experimental study was done to compare the efficacy of inside-out vein graft versus autogenous nerve graft as nerve conduit in promoting axonal regeneration in a rat model.
Methods:
The study used 16 Spraque-Dawley rats randomly divided into two groups: the inside-out vein graft group and control group (autognous nerve graft). The outcomes measured were histomorphology (axon number and diameter), muscle twitch response (amplitude) and the walking track analysis at 2, 4 6 and 8 weeks.
Results:
The inverted vein graft and control groups showed similar axon diameter (P=0.76), and axon number (P=0.85), weeks and similar muscle twitch responses (P=0.87) after eight weeks. The walking track analysis showed no significant difference between the two groups at eight weeks.
Conclusion:
The study showed that the inside-out vein graft group had similar motor recovery as compared to control group based on the muscle twitch analysis and walking track analysis in a rat model. In terms of histomorphometric analysis, the two groups were similar in terms of axon diameter and axon count.
Key words: nerve regeneration, nerve repair, muscle contraction