Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 2, 2026

Axoplasm Isolation from Rat Sciatic Nerve
Published on: September 24, 2010
Poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) Scaffold Induces Short-term Nerve Regeneration and Functional Recovery Following
Franciele Pereira Dos Santos1, Thais Peruch2, Sonia Jabbar Vittorassi Katami1
1Post-graduation Program in Health Sciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Brazil.
Abstract:
Peripheral nerve injury is an important cause of incapability and has limited available treatment. Autologous donor nerve implant is the golden standard treatment, however, may cause secondary deficits. Stem cells show positive results in preclinical settings, preserving tissue and function. We tested the efficacy of stem cells derived from human exfoliated deciduous teeth seeded in poly (lactide-co-glycolide) scaffolds in sciatic nerve transection model. Seventy-two adult male Wistar rats had 7-mm nerve gap bridge using scaffolds with (or without) stem cells. Animals were randomly divided into: sham-operated; sham-operated without scaffold; sham-operated + scaffold + stem cells; sciatic transection + no treatment; sciatic transection + acellular scaffolds; sciatic transection + scaffold + stem cells. Sciatic Functional Index and Ladder Rung Walking tests were performed before (-1), 14 and 28 days after surgery. Morphometric nerve measurement and muscle weights were assessed. Scaffolds with stem cells improved function in Sciatic Functional Index. Acellular scaffold was effective, promoting functional recovery and nerve regeneration following nerve injury. Scaffolds provide better nerve regeneration and functional recovery after sciatic transection. Despite cell therapy promoting faster recovery after sciatic transection in the Sciatic Index Score, stem cells did not improve functional and morphological recovery after nerve injury. This is the first study testing the potential use of scaffolds combined with stem cells in the early stages after injury. Scaffolds with stem cells could accelerate nerve recovery and favor adjuvant therapies, evidencing the need for further studies to increase the knowledge about stem cells' mechanisms.
Related Concept Videos
Spinal Nerves: Plexus II
The Lumbar Plexus
The lumbar plexus is situated within the lumbar region of the back and is primarily formed by the first four lumbar spinal nerves (L1 to L4). This plexus extends its branches into several nerves, including the...
Nerve Supply of the GI Tract
The enteric nervous system consists of two major plexuses: the myenteric plexus (Auerbach's plexus) and the submucosal plexus (Meissner's plexus). These plexuses are located within the layers of...
Cranial Nerves: Types Part I
Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)
The olfactory nerve, or cranial nerve I, is unique as it is purely sensory and dedicated to the sense of smell. This nerve originates in the olfactory epithelium of the...
Cranial Nerves: Types Part II
Facial Nerve (Cranial Nerve VII)
Cranial nerve VII, or the facial nerve,...
Spinal Nerves: Anatomy
There are 31 bilateral pairs of spinal nerves, each emerging from the spinal cord through the intervertebral foramina—openings between adjacent vertebrae. These nerves are...
Spinal Nerves: Plexus I
The Cervical Plexus
The cervical plexus, formed by the anterior rami of the first four...

