Nerve Regeneration across a 2-cm Gap in the Rat Median Nerve Using a Resorbable Nerve Conduit Filled with Schwann Cells

In a rat model, nerve regeneration was evaluated across a 2-cm defect in the median nerve using a resorbable artificial nerve conduit. The aim of this study was to develop an artificial, biocompatible, nerve guide to induce regeneration in the peripheral nervous system. The authors compared a nerve conduit of trimethylenecarbonate-co-epsilon-caprolactone (TMC/CL) filled with autologous Schwann cells with an empty hollow conduit and with an autologous nerve graft. Non-operated animals served as controls. The regeneration was evaluated with the grasping test, histological analysis of the nerve, muscle weight analysis (flexor digitorum sublimis muscle) and electrophysiological examination. After an observation period of 9 months, regeneration was seen only in animals that received an autologous graft or a Schwann cell containing nerve conduit. No signs of regeneration were found in animals supplied with the empty conduit. The results emphasize the important role of Schwann cells in the regeneration process across a 2-cm defect in the rat median nerve. Furthermore, the authors demonstrated that Schwann cell-filled nerve conduits induce functional recovery, as seen in the grasping test, that is comparable to that of the autologous graft 9 months after implantation.