Use of a Biodegradable Neuroprosthesis Containing Laminin for Avulsive Peripheral Nerve Injury Results in Early Endoneurial and Perineurial Collagen Type III Formation

Abstract

The direct anastomosis of nerve stumps is most desirable after peripheral nerve transection. There are many avulsive nerve injuries, however, where a nerve segment is destroyed or must be removed -- and the proximal and distal stumps are separated by a gap requiring bridging. Earlier studies showed that a biodegradable polyester mesh (polyglactin 910, Vicryl™) sleeve can act as a conduit and guide regenerating axons into the distal stump across an 11 mm gap created in rat sciatic nerve. This is facilitated by filling the sleeve with Matrigel™, an extracellular basement membrane gel containing 80% laminin, smaller amounts of collagen type IV, heparan sulfate proteoglycan and entaction. The avulsed sciatic was reconnected in animals examined after 30 and 45 days and sensation and leg movement were much improved.The PATS variation of the PAS reaction can be used to demonstrate all glycomacromolecules containing alpha-diglycol groups. Although it also stains basement membrane or type IV collagen brown, it stains type III collagen or reticulin intensely black.