Peg-Enhanced Behavioral Recovery After Sciatic Nerve Transection and Either Suturing Or Sleeve Conduit Deployment in Rats

Abstract

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) has previously been reported to improve outcomes of peripheral nerve microsuturing. However, recent studies have challenged this finding. Given its clinical importance, we investigated the potential of PEG as a facilitator of peripheral nerve restoration. The sciatic nerve of 144 rats was transected and submitted either to simple suturing (Group A), PEG-enhanced suturing (Group B), and insertion in an arterial sleeve conduit without PEG (Group C), or with PEG (Group D) in equal numbers. Behavioral recovery was assessed with the sciatic function index (SFI). Nerve impulse conduction was assessed with compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs). Histology comprised standard hematoxylin/eosin staining, electron microscopy and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) immunohistochemistry. Expression of GDNF was also assessed with western blotting. Results were evaluated at weeks 1, 4, and 8. PEG treatment significantly improved behavioral recovery and morphology of nerve restoration, particularly in the sleeve conduit group, relative to that of controls. In conclusion, PEG may improve outcomes of peripheral nerve reconstruction.

Keywords:

• peripheral nerve injury
• peripheral nerve regeneration
• polyethylene glycol
• arterial conduit
• peripheral nerve suture

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Additional information

Funding

This work was funded by Scientific Research Project of Heilongjiang Province Health and Family Planning Commission, Zhao Xin/2017-067; the Fundamental Research Funds for the Provincial Universities, Zhao Xin/2017LCZX68.