Influence of distal nerve segment volume on nerve regeneration in silicone tubes

The influence of a volume of a distal nerve segment upon nerve regeneration in an 8-mm gap created within a silicone tube was examined. The rats were randomly divided into four groups. Each group had 5 mm, 1 mm, or a half volume of 1-mm nerve segment (a nerve piece of 1 mm transected longitudinally) inserted into the distal end of a silicone tube of 11 mm. The empty group without a nerve segment was used as control. Diameters of regenerated cylindrical structure between the nerve ends in the silicone tube were measured under an operation microscope and myelinated axon diameter, myelinated axon density, myelin sheath width, and ratio of myelinated axon area to total cross sectional area were measured using the transverse sections at the midpoint of the silicone tube at 6 weeks after surgery. Although there was a significant difference in all of those parameters between the control group and any of the remaining three groups, no significant difference was found between any pair of these three groups. The results of this study indicated that the degree of nerve regeneration does not correlate with the volume of a distal nerve segment and even a very small piece can play an important role in supporting regenerating nerve beyond a definitive gap.