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Role of timing in assessment of nerve regeneration
Author(s) -
Brenner Michael J.,
Moradzadeh Arash,
Myckatyn Terence M.,
Tung Thomas H. H.,
Mendez Allen B.,
Hunter Daniel A.,
Mackin Susan E.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
microsurgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.031
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1098-2752
pISSN - 0738-1085
DOI - 10.1002/micr.20483
Subject(s) - medicine , nerve fiber , placebo , microsurgery , regeneration (biology) , anesthesia , surgery , anatomy , pathology , biology , alternative medicine , microbiology and biotechnology
Small animal models are indispensable for research on nerve injury and reconstruction, but their superlative regenerative potential may confound experimental interpretation. This study investigated time‐dependent neuroregenerative phenomena in rodents. Forty‐six Lewis rats were randomized to three nerve allograft groups treated with 2 mg/(kg day) tacrolimus; 5 mg/(kg day) Cyclosporine A; or placebo injection. Nerves were subjected to histomorphometric and walking track analysis at serial time points. Tacrolimus increased fiber density, percent neural tissue, and nerve fiber count and accelerated functional recovery at 40 days, but these differences were undetectable by 70 days. Serial walking track analysis showed a similar pattern of recovery. A “blow‐through” effect is observed in rodents whereby an advancing nerve front overcomes an experimental defect given sufficient time, rendering experimental groups indistinguishable at late time points. Selection of validated time points and corroboration in higher animal models are essential prerequisites for the clinical application of basic research on nerve regeneration. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2008.