Objectives: To evaluate the poly(dextrogyr-levogyr) lactide acid-triiodothyronine (PDLLA-T3) seeded with Schwann cells conduit for repairing sciatic nerve defect.
Materials & methods: The rats were divided into three groups: autologous nerve transplantation (Group A), PDLLA-T3 + Schwann cells (Group B) and PDLLA + Schwann cells (Group C).
Results: Myelin sheath thickness was significantly greater in Group A compared with Group B and Group C. The regenerated nerves had nearly normal structure in Group A, and in Groups B and C nerve tissues filled in the anastomotic site and angiogenesis was noted. The mean number of myelinated nerve fibers and neurons in Group B was greater than in Group C.
Conclusions: PDLLA-T3 is superior to PDLLA alone for repairing nerve defects.