Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of autologous vein nerve conduit supported by vascular stent in repairing a 10 mm gap peroneal nerve in white New Zealand rabbits.
Methods: 30 New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: autologous nerve group (group A),conventional autologous vein nerve conduit group (group B),autologous vein nerve conduit supported by vascular stent group (group C). 10 mm common peroneal nerve was cut off. In groups A,the peroneal nerve was turned 180 ° before suturing. In group B and group C,20 mm long external jugular vein was cut and removed. After dilution of venous retraction,the venous bridge filled the gap of the nerve defect in group B. In group C,a blood vessel stent was placed for accessing the external jugular vein,and then connected to the nerve defect. Ulnar ulcer was observed after operations. Reflex score of left foot toe was recorded. The nerve regeneration and functional recovery was assessed through electrophysiological examinations,comparison of wet mass ratio between the left and right hind limb gastrocnemius,morphological observations,transmission electron microscopy 12 weeks after operations.
Results: Group B had the lowest scoring of toespreading reflex,whereas Group A had the highest scoring of toespreading reflex. There was a statistically significant difference in the scoring of toespreading reflex between group A and group C. In terms of the diameter of regenerated nerve fiber and the thickness of regenerated myelin sheath,no statistically significant ( P>0.05) difference was found between group A and group C,whereas the difference was significant ( P<0.05) between groups A/C and group B. The presence of peripheral nerves found in light microscopic examinations revealed normal characteristics of myelinated fibers in all groups. The myelinated axon profile was almost equal between group B and group C under electron microscopic examinations. However,more degenerated axons with disturbed contoursin were found in group B compared with group C.
Conclusion: Autologous vein nerve conduit supported by vascular stent increases regeneration of nerves.
Keywords: Autologous vein nerve conduit; Biological nerve conduit; Peripheral nerve regeneration; Vascular stent.