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Updated: Aug 8, 2025
Combining Peripheral Nerve Grafting and Matrix Modulation to Repair the Injured Rat Spinal Cord
Published on: November 20, 2009
Chitosan Nerve Grafts Incorporated with SKP-SC-EVs Induce Peripheral Nerve Regeneration
Xinyang Zhou1,2, Miaomei Yu2,3, Daiyue Chen2
1School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
Background:
Repair of long-distance peripheral nerve defects remains an important clinical problem. Nerve grafts incorporated with extracellular vesicles (EVs) from various cell types have been developed to bridge peripheral nerve defects. In our previous research, EVs obtained from skin-derived precursor Schwann cells (SKP-SC-EVs) were demonstrated to promote neurite outgrowth in cultured cells and facilitate nerve regeneration in animal studies.
Methods:
To further assess the functions of SKP-SC-EVs in nerve repair, we incorporated SKP-SC-EVs and Matrigel into chitosan nerve conduits (EV-NG) for repairing a 15-mm long-distance sciatic nerve defect in a rat model. Behavioral analysis, electrophysiological recording, histological investigation, molecular analysis, and morphometric assessment were carried out.
Results:
The results revealed EV-NG significantly improved motor and sensory function recovery compared with nerve conduits (NG) without EVs incorporation. The outgrowth and myelination of regenerated axons were improved, while the atrophy of target muscles induced by denervation was alleviated after EVs addition.
Conclusion:
Our data indicated SKP-SC-EVs incorporation into nerve grafts represents a promising method for extended peripheral nerve damage repair.
