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Updated: Apr 25, 2026
Mouse Sciatic Nerve Transection/Resuture Procedure for Studying Nerve Repair and Functional Recovery
Published on: January 16, 2026
The parameters of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation are critical to its regenerative effects when applied
Diana Cavalcante Miranda de Assis1, Êmyle Martins Lima1, Bruno Teixeira Goes2
1Post-Graduation Program in Medicine and Health, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Bahia, Rua Augusto Viana, Canela, 40110-060 Salvador, BA, Brazil ; Functional Electrostimulation Laboratory, Department of Biomorphology, Federal University of Bahia, Avenida Reitor Miguel Calmon, S/N, Vale do Canela, 40110-902 Salvador, BA, Brazil.
Abstract:
We investigated the effect of two frequencies of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) applied immediately after lesion on peripheral nerve regeneration after a mouse sciatic crush injury. The animals were anesthetized and subjected to crushing of the right sciatic nerve and then separated into three groups: nontreated, Low-TENS (4 Hz), and High-TENS (100 Hz). The animals of Low- and High-TENS groups were stimulated for 2 h immediately after the surgical procedure, while the nontreated group was only positioned for the same period. After five weeks the animals were euthanized, and the nerves dissected bilaterally for histological and histomorphometric analysis. Histological assessment by light and electron microscopy showed that High-TENS and nontreated nerves had a similar profile, with extensive signs of degeneration. Conversely, Low-TENS led to increased regeneration, displaying histological aspects similar to control nerves. High-TENS also led to decreased density of fibers in the range of 6-12 μm diameter and decreased fiber diameter and myelin area in the range of 0-2 μm diameter. These findings suggest that High-TENS applied just after a peripheral nerve crush may be deleterious for regeneration, whereas Low-TENS may increase nerve regeneration capacity.
