A scanning electron microscope survey of rat sciatic nerve tissue regeneration through a silicone rubber multiple lumen nerve cuff utilizing growth stimulant patterns

Abstract

<p>A scanning electron microscope survey was performed to characterize regenerated rat sciatic nerve tissue that was formed in the presence of either collagen gel or collagen, fibronectin and laminin growth promoting gel within a multiple lumen nerve cuff. The tissue cables were regenerated in eight weeks through a symmetric six lumen silicone rubber nerve guide for a gap length of 15.0 mm with inner lumen diameters of 0.5 mm and in which the lumens contained both types of gels in an alternating lumen filling sequence. Both varieties of gel fillings were successful in establishing complete cables across this relatively large gap size for relatively small lumen openings. Shapes, sizes and cable microstructures were evaluated and large variations were seen in size with respect to position. Tapering of strands was seen; however, tapering was nonuniform. Myelinated axons were not seen in the views of the regenerated cables. The multiple lumen nerve guide permits the use of more than one chemical environment at the same time on the same nerve.</p>