Experimental study on repair of the facial nerve with Schwann cells transfected with GDNF genes and PLGA conduits

Abstract

Conclusions. Schwann cells transfected by GDNF genes+PLGA were superior to Schwann cells+PLGA and direct anastomesis. This is a new and effective strategy for repair of facial nerve defects. Objective. To evaluate the effect of bioactive artificial nerve conduits in the repair of facial nerve defects in Sprague-Dawley rats. Materials and methods. Schwann cells were harvested and transfected with PcDNA3.1(+)/GDNF. After injection with Schwann cells, the conduits were cultured in the culture medium for 2 weeks. Thirty female Sprague-Dawley rats were selected and randomly divided into three groups (A, B, and C), which were treated as follows: A, direct anastomesis; B, Schwann cells+PLGA conduits; C, Schwann cells transfected by GDNF genes+PLGA conduits. General observation, electrophysiological study, histological study, and image analysis were performed 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months postoperatively. Results. The recovery of nerve regeneration and electrophysiological results in group C were superior to those in groups A and B; the difference was statistically significant (p<0.01).

• Schwann cells
• GDNF genes
• transfect
• PLGA
• facial nerve