A long peripheral nerve autograft model in the sheep forelimb

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Regenerative Medicine
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Autologous nerve grafts are the gold standard for bridging long peripheral nerve gaps.
• A lack of reliable animal models for long (>5 cm) nerve autografts hinders research.
• Developing a clinically relevant, cost-effective model is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a reproducible, long nerve gap and autograft animal model.
• To ensure the model is clinically relevant and cost-effective.
• To evaluate nerve regeneration and functional recovery in this model.

Main Methods:

• A 5 cm defect was created in the sheep median nerve.
• A 14 cm radial sensory nerve segment was harvested, divided, and used as a 7 cm autograft.
• Electrophysiological, histological, immunohistochemical, and morphometric analyses were performed at 6 and 9 months.

Main Results:

• All sheep exhibited robust, recordable nerve action potentials at 6 and 9 months.
• Nerve conduction velocity and amplitude showed statistically insignificant decreases compared to controls.
• Histomorphometric analysis confirmed extensive axon regeneration within the graft fascicles.

Conclusions:

• The sheep median nerve model provides a reproducible and reliable platform for evaluating long peripheral nerve regeneration.
• This model supports the assessment of autologous nerve graft efficacy in bridging significant nerve defects.
• The findings are critical for advancing peripheral nerve repair strategies.