Defining the relative contribution of muscle and Schwann cell denervation on functional recovery after delayed nerve repair.

Defining the relative contribution of muscle and Schwann cell denervation on functional recovery after delayed nerve repair.
Exp Neurol. 2021 Feb 16;:113650
Authors: Sarhane KA, Slavin BR, Hricz N, Malapati H, Guo YN, Grzelak M, Chang IA, Shappell H, von Guionneau N, Wong AL, Mi R, Höke A, Tuffaha SH
Abstract
Functional recovery following peripheral nerve injury worsens with increasing durations of delay prior to repair. From the time of injury until re-innervation occurs, denervated muscle undergoes progressive atrophy that limits the extent to which motor function can be restored. Similarly, Schwann cells (SC) in the distal nerve lacking axonal interaction progressively lose their capacity to proliferate and support regenerating axons. The relative contributions of these processes to decreased functional recovery is unclear. We developed a novel rat model to isolate the effects of SC vs. muscle denervation on functional recovery. Four different groups underwent the following interventions for 12 weeks prior to nerve transfer: 1) muscle denervation; 2) SC denervation; 3) muscle + SC denervation (negative control); 4) no denervation (positive control). Functional recovery was measured weekly using the stimulated grip strength testing (SGST). Animals were sacrificed 13 weeks post nerve transfer. Retrograde labeling was used to assess the number of motor neurons that regenerated their axons. Immunofluorescence was performed to eva...

Source: Experimental Neurology - February 16, 2021 Category: Neurology Authors: Sarhane KA, Slavin BR, Hricz N, Malapati H, Guo YN, Grzelak M, Chang IA, Shappell H, von Guionneau N, Wong AL, Mi R, Höke A, Tuffaha SH Tags: Exp Neurol Source Type: research