Revascularization patterns of nerve allografts in a rat sciatic nerve defect model.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The specific patterns of revascularization of allograft nerves after the addition of vascularization remain unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the revascularization patterns of optimized processed allografts (OPA) after surgically induced angiogenesis to the wound bed in a rat sciatic nerve model.

Materials and methods

In 51 Lewis rats, sciatic nerve gaps were repaired with (i) autografts, (ii) OPA and (iii) OPA wrapped in a pedicled superficial inferior epigastric artery fascia flap (SIEF) to provide vascularization to the wound bed. At 2, 12, and 16 weeks, the vascular volume and vascular surface area in nerve samples were measured using micro CT and photography. Cross-sectional images were obtained and the number of vessels was quantified in the

SUBMITTER: Saffari TM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7770618 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature