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J Reconstr Microsurg 2006; 22(5): 363-374
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-946715
Copyright © 2006 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Neuronal Quantification in Cold-Preserved Nerve Allografts and Treatment with FK-506 Through Osmotic Pumps Compared to Nerve Autografts

Bernardo Hontanilla1 , Luis Yeste2 , Cristina Aubá1 , Oscar Gorría1
  • 1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Clínica Universitaria, Universidad de Navarra, Spain
  • 2Hospital Povisa, Pamplona, Spain
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted: March 3, 2006

Publication Date:
17 July 2006 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Nerve regeneration across nerve autografts was compared to cold-preserved nerve allografts and treatment with FK-506. The tibial branch of the rat sciatic nerve was transected and immediately repaired with nerve autografts and allografts. FK-506 was administered for 4 weeks through osmotic pumps to different groups of both auto- and allograft cases. The nerves of two allografted groups were preserved with University of Wisconsin Cold Storage Solution (UWCSS) for 3 weeks. Quantification of retrograde-labelled motoneurons and axonal counts was performed. Nerve regeneration through nerve allografts treated with FK-506 or UWCSS was similar to the regeneration obtained when non-treated nerve autografts were used. However, there was no additive effect of the two treatments, and neither FK-506 nor UWCSS improved the number of gamma motoneurons. Both UWCSS and FK-506 administration with osmotic pumps was effective in improving nerve regeneration in allografts, achieving a level comparable to that obtained in non-grafted control cases.

KEYWORDS

FK-506 - osmotic pump - neuron

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Bernardo HontanillaM.D. Ph.D. 

Dpto. Cirugía Plástica y Reparadora, Clínica Universitaria, Universidad de Navarra

C/Pío XII, 36, 31008 Pamplona, Spain