Experimental model for local administration of nerve growth factor in microsurgical nerve reconnections

Microsurgery. 1995;16(2):71-6. doi: 10.1002/micr.1920160206.

Abstract

An experimental model for local administration of neuronotrophic substances at the site of peripheral nerve lesion is presented. The model consists of a subcutaneously located silicone reservoir and a connecting tube with its distal end fixed in the proximity of the severed and repaired nerve. The results of the preliminary tests of the model are presented. Sixty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups: control (saline-treated) (n = 30) and NGF-treated (n = 30). After axotomy of the sciatic nerve, an epineurial repair is performed. NGF or saline is injected daily into the subcutaneous reservoir during the first 3 weeks after axotomy and a single dose in the fourth week. The regenerated nerve observed in the NGF-treated group after four weeks of treatment presents a greater percentage of myelinated axons, thicker myeline sheaths, and more mature endoneurial layers. This experimental model provides a reliable and quantitative way to deliver neuronotrophic substances in site and at different administration rates.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Axons / drug effects
  • Axons / ultrastructure
  • Cell Count
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Drug Delivery Systems / instrumentation*
  • Drug Implants
  • Equipment Design
  • Female
  • Instillation, Drug
  • Intubation / instrumentation
  • Microsurgery / instrumentation
  • Myelin Sheath / drug effects
  • Myelin Sheath / ultrastructure
  • Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / drug effects
  • Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / ultrastructure
  • Nerve Growth Factors / administration & dosage*
  • Nerve Regeneration / drug effects
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sciatic Nerve / drug effects
  • Sciatic Nerve / surgery
  • Sciatic Nerve / ultrastructure
  • Silicones
  • Sodium Chloride

Substances

  • Drug Implants
  • Nerve Growth Factors
  • Silicones
  • Sodium Chloride