Performance of Schwann cell transplantation into extracted socket after inferior alveolar nerve injury in a novel rat model

Abstract

An inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injury is a common clinical problem that can affect a patients' quality of life. Cellular therapy has been proposed as a promising treatment for this injury. However, the current experimental models for IAN injury require surgery to create bone windows that expose the nerve, and these models do not accurately mimic human IAN injuries. Therefore, in this study, a novel experimental model for IAN injury has been established in rats. Using this model, the effects of Schwann cells and their role in the recovery from IAN injuries were investigated. Schwann cells were isolated from rat sciatic nerves and cultured. The first molar in the mandible was extracted and the IAN was immediately injured for 30 min by inserting an insect pin. Then, the Schwann cells or culture medium were transplanted into the extracted sockets of the cell and injury groups, respectively. After the surgery, the cell group displayed significantly increased sensory reflexes in response to mechanical stimulation, regenerated IAN width, and myelin basic protein-positive myelin sheaths when compared with the injury group. In conclusion, a novel animal experimental model for IAN injury has been developed that does not require the creation of a bone window to evaluate the impacts of cell transplantation and demonstrates that Schwann cell transplantation facilitates the regeneration of injured IANs.

Experimental Cranial Nerve Models in the Rat

“…22 Since IAN injury is common during intraoral manipulations, regeneration studies or pain studies following nerve injuries also use this model. 23 24…”

Olfactory ensheathing cells and neuropathic pain

“…In recent years, with the continuous research and exploration of nerve injury and pain treatment, the concept of cell transplantation has been introduced ( Sullivan et al, 2016 ). Researchers have tried to transplant some special types of cells or intravenously into the host (such as spinal cord injury, sciatic nerve injury, and trigeminal nerve injury) to relieve pain and have achieved good progress ( Chen et al, 2013 ; Ito et al, 2020 ). Indeed, cell transplantation technology has achieved remarkable results in the treatment of nerve injury.…”