Neuroma: a donor-age independent source of human Schwann cells for tissue engineered nerve grafts

Schwann cells are used in combination with biological matrices as tissue engineered nerve grafts in animal models offering a new therapeutic approach for treatment of lesions of the peripheral nervous system. A high yield of human Schwann cells from adult donors is only achieved by pharmacological stimulation, which should, however, be avoided in clinical therapy. Here, we establish cultures of activated human Schwann cells which were isolated from peripheral nerve neuroma which developed after a median nerve lesion. To allow nerve reconstruction neuroma have to be resected. Such neuroma tissue is virtually predegenerated and shows activation of Schwann cells, implying good adherence and high mitotic activity. This allows, irrespective of donor age, growing within a short time period and without any pharmacological treatment.