Effect of nerve graft polarity on nerve regeneration and function

To evaluate the effect of the polarity of nerve grafts, a 1.0 cm segment of sciatic nerve of 40 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats was excised. In 20 animals the nerve was sutured, maintaining the original polarity. In the order 20 the graft was reversed and sutured into place. Four to 6 months later, the nerves were exposed and directed conduction velocity and amplitude studies were done across the graft. No difference was found between the two groups. Comparison with the control side showed return of 70% to 75% of conduction velocity and amplitude. Nerve graft function was independent of nerve graft polarity.