Improvement of peripheral nerve defects using a silicone conduit filled with hepatocyte growth factor

Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2013 Dec;116(6):673-9. doi: 10.1016/j.oooo.2013.07.006.

Abstract

Objective: To assess local effects of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) on peripheral nerve repair in a rat sciatic nerve transection model.

Study design: Sixty male, healthy, white Wistar rats were randomized into 4 experimental groups: In the sham-operated group, sciatic nerve was exposed and manipulated. In the transected control group, the left sciatic nerve was transected. In the silicone graft group (SIL), a 10-mm defect was made and bridged using a silicone tube. The graft was filled with phosphate-buffered saline in the SIL group and with HGF in the SIL/HGF group.

Results: Behavioral testing, sciatic nerve functional study, gastrocnemius muscle mass measurement, and morphometric indices found earlier regeneration of axons in the SIL/HGF than in the SIL group (P < .05). Immunohistochemical study clearly found more positive location of reactions to S-100 in the SIL/HGF group than in the SIL group.

Conclusions: HGF may have clinical implications for the surgical management of patients after facial nerve transection.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Hepatocyte Growth Factor / administration & dosage
  • Hepatocyte Growth Factor / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Immunoenzyme Techniques
  • Male
  • Nerve Regeneration / drug effects*
  • Random Allocation
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Recovery of Function
  • Sciatic Nerve / drug effects*
  • Sciatic Nerve / surgery
  • Silicones

Substances

  • Silicones
  • Hepatocyte Growth Factor