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Sciatic nerve regeneration across gaps within collagen chambers: the influence of epidermal growth factor
A S Dubuisson1, R W Beuermann, D G Kline
1Department of Neurosurgery, Louisiana State University Medical Center, New Orleans.
Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery
|September 1, 1993
Abstract:
The effects of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) on axonal regeneration of a sectioned sciatic nerve within collagen tubes were investigated in 15 rats. Following baseline electrophysiologic assessment, bilateral 7-mm nerve gaps were created and repaired by interposition of collagen tubes, into which EGF (left side) or type I collagen (right side) was instilled. After 4 or 8 weeks, axonal regeneration, measured by electrophysiologic and histologic means, was identical for the EGF and control legs. The conclusion is that EGF does not influence nerve regeneration within a collagen chamber.