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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
Taking the Next Step: a Neural Coaptation Orthotopic Hind Limb Transplant Model to Maximize Functional Recovery in Rat
Published on: August 30, 2020
[An experimental study on homologous vascularized nerve transplantation after ultra deep cryopreservation]
Xiaoxiang Yang1, Zhen Leng, Ang Qian
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Bengbu Second People's Hospital, Anhui Bengbu 233000, P R China. yangxiaoxiang9009@hotmail.com
Objective:
To study the feasibility of homologous vascularized nerve transplantation after ultra deep cryopreservation.
Methods:
Vascularized sciatic nerve from 12 female dogs was transplanted after ultra deep cryopreservation. Forty-eight male dogs were divided into 4 groups: ultra deep cryopreservation homologous vascularized nerve (group A), ultra deep cryopreservation homologous nerve (group B), fresh homologous vascularized nerve (group C), and fresh autologous vascularized nerve (group D). The gross appearance, patency rate of artery and morphological transplanted nerve were observed 1, 4 and 12 weeks after transplantation respectively. Immunological analysis was performed using IL-2 assay and T lymphocyte subpopulations assay after 4 weeks. Image pattern analysis and electromyogram were observed after 12 weeks.
Results:
In groups A and D, no toe ulcer occurred, the atrophy of later limb and the sense of pain from skin of calf were restore significantly in the postoperative 12th week. In groups B and C, toe ulcer occurred, the atrophy of later limb and the sense of pain from skin of calf were not restored significantly in the postoperative 12th week. The vessel patency rate of groups A and D was 83.3%, which was significantly higher than that of group C (50%, P < 0.05). The changes of IL-2 and Th, Ts in group C were significantly higher than that in groups A, B, D (P < 0.01). There were increased vessel and regenerated nerve in transplanted nerve under optical microscope and image pattern analysis in groups A and D. There were shorter latent period of motor evoked potential, greater amplitude of action potential and faster motor nerve conducting velocity in groups A and D after 12 weeks.
Conclusion:
The antigenicity of the homologous never and vessel may be reduced significantly by being frozen, and cryopreserved vascularized nerve can transferred successfully without the use of immunosuppressive agents. Vascularized nerve may restore good significantly for the thick nerve.
