Peripheral Nerve Regeneration using Silicone Rubber Chamber Combined by Local Administration of Cyclosporin a in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Introduction: The repair of peripheral nerve injuries is still one of the most challenging tasks and concerns in neurosurgery. Effect of cyclosporin (CsA) loaded silicon conduit as an in situ delivery system of CsA in bridging the defects was studied using a sciatic nerve regeneration model in diabetic rats. Methods:A 10-mm sciatic nerve defect was bridged using a silicon conduit (SIL/CsA) filled with 10 µL carrier-drug dilution (10 ng/mL CsA). In control group (SIL), the conduit was filled with the same volume of the phosphate buffered solution. The regenerated fibers were studied 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks after surgery. Result:The functional and electrophysiological studies confirmed faster recovery of the regenerated axons in CsA treated than control group (P < 0.05). The mean ratios of gastrocnemius muscles weight were measured. There was statistically significant difference between the muscle weight ratios of SIL/CsA and SIL groups (P<0.05). Morphometric indices of regenerated fibers showed number and diameter of the myelinated fibers in SIL/CsA were significantly higher than in control group. Conclusion:Cyclosporin when loaded in a silicon conduit resulted in improvement of functional recovery and quantitative morphometric indices of sciatic nerve in diabetic rats.