The aim of this study was to explore the effect of the combination of nerve fragments with nerve growth factor (NGF) on the repair of peripheral nerve injury through autologous epineurium small gap coaptation. A total of 150 male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 200-250 g were divided into five groups randomly with 30 rats per group, including the following: a control group that was subjected to traditional end-to-end neuroanastomosis; an autologous epineurium small gap group that received autologous epineurium small gap coaptation suture; a nerve fragments group in which nerve fragments were added to the small gap; an NGF group in which NGF was added to the small gap; and an NGF combined with nerve fragments group in which both NGF and nerve fragments were added to the small gap. All groups were examined at 4, 6, and 8 weeks after the operation, respectively; furthermore, electroneurophysiological detection and histological observation were performed at 8 weeks. Autonomic activities and root ulcers recovered sooner in rats in the NGF combined with nerve fragments group than the other groups. Moreover, the numbers of regenerated nerve fibers were greater and nerve conduction velocity was faster in the NGF combined with nerve fragments group than the other groups. Therefore, the combination of NGF with nerve fragments plays a significant role in the repair of peripheral nerve injury through autologous epineurium small gap coaptation. Therefore, compared with the other four methods, the combination of nerve fragments with NGF on the repair of peripheral nerve injury through autologous epineurium small gap coaptation has a better effect.
Keywords: Nerve debris; Nerve growth factor; Nerve repair; Small gap bridging.