Abstract:

Objective      To detect the role of chitosan-collagen in the growth of neural fibers, and compare regeneration of injured sciatic nerves in conduits of chitosan-collagen and silicone. Methods       The technique of freeze drying was employed to produce the material conduit of chitosan and collagen. Animal models were established by cutting off sciatic nerves in Wistar rats, and the injured nerves were bridged by either chitosan-collagen or silicone conduits. 7 weeks and 15 weeks after surgery, morphological and electrophysiological examinations were used to detect the growth of fibers. Results      At 7 weeks after surgery, few fibers were detected and the spike potentials were weak in both groups. At 15 weeks after surgery, myelination in the chitosan-collagen group was better than that in the silicone group. Also, the spike potential value was higher than that in the controls. Conclusion       Chitosan-collagen material promotes the growth of neural fibers.

Key words: Chitosan; Collagen; Neural fiber; Sciatic nerve