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Functional collagen conduits combined with human mesenchymal stem cells promote regeneration after sciatic nerve transection in dogs
Author(s) -
Cui Yi,
Yao Yao,
Zhao Yannan,
Xiao Zhifeng,
Cao Zongfu,
Han Sufang,
Li Xing,
Huan Yong,
Pan Juli,
Dai Jianwu
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.835
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1932-7005
pISSN - 1932-6254
DOI - 10.1002/term.2660
Subject(s) - sciatic nerve , regeneration (biology) , mesenchymal stem cell , sciatic nerve injury , peripheral nerve injury , peripheral nerve , chemistry , nerve injury , anatomy , pathology , neuroscience , medicine , microbiology and biotechnology , biology
Numerous studies have focused on the development of novel and innovative approaches for the treatment of peripheral nerve injury using artificial nerve guide conduits. In this study, we attempted to bridge 3.5‐cm defects of the sciatic nerve with a longitudinally oriented collagen conduit (LOCC) loaded with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC‐MSCs). The LOCC contains a bundle of longitudinally aligned collagenous fibres enclosed in a hollow collagen tube. Our previous studies showed that an LOCC combined with neurotrophic factors enhances peripheral nerve regeneration. However, it remained unknown whether an LOCC seeded with hUC‐MSCs could also promote regeneration. In this study, using various histological and electrophysiological analyses, we found that an LOCC provides mechanical support to newly growing nerves and functions as a structural scaffold for cells, thereby stimulating sciatic nerve regeneration. The LOCC and hUC‐MSCs synergistically promoted regeneration and improved the functional recovery in a dog model of sciatic nerve injury. Therefore, the combined use of an LOCC and hUC‐MSCs might have therapeutic potential for the treatment of peripheral nerve injury.