Functional Outcome after Reconstruction of a Long Nerve Gap in Rabbits Using Optimized Decellularized Nerve Allografts

This study evaluated motor recovery after reconstruction of a long nerve gap using a processed nerve allograft and the influence of storage techniques. Methods: Nerve allografts were decellularized using elastase and detergents and stored at either 4° or −80°C. In 36 New Zealand White rabbits, a 3-cm peroneal nerve gap was repaired with either an autograft (group 1, control) or a cold-stored (group 2) or frozen-stored (group 3) processed nerve allograft. Nerve recovery was evaluated using longitudinal ultrasound measurements, electrophysiology (compound muscle action potentials), isometric tetanic force, wet muscle weight, and histomorphometry after 24 weeks. Results: Longitudinal ultrasound measurements showed that the cold-stored allograft provided earlier regeneration than the frozen-stored allograft. Furthermore, ultrasound showed significantly inferior recovery in group 3 than in both other groups (p
Source: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - Category: Cosmetic Surgery Tags: Experimental Source Type: research