Effect of local administration of platelet-derived growth factor B on functional recovery of peripheral nerve regeneration: A sciatic nerve transection model

Abstract

Background: Effects of platelet-derived growth factor B (PDGF-B) on peripheral nerve
regeneration was studied using a rat sciatic nerve transection model.
Materials and Methods: Forty‑five male, white Wistar rats were divided into three experimental
groups (n = 15), randomly: Normal control group (NC), silicon group (SIL), and PDGF‑B treated
group (SIL/PDGF). In NC group, left sciatic nerve was exposed through a gluteal muscle incision
and after homeostasis muscle was sutured. In the SIL group, the left sciatic nerve was exposed the
same way and transected proximal to tibio‑peroneal bifurcation leaving a 10‑mm gap. Proximal and
distal stumps were each inserted into a silicone conduit and filled with 10 μL phosphate buffered
solution. In SIL/PDGF group, the silicon conduit was filled with 10 μL PDGF‑B (0.5 ng/mL). Each
group was subdivided into three subgroups of five animals each and were studied 4, 8, 12 weeks
after surgery.
Results: Behavioral testing, sciatic nerve functional study, gastrocnemius muscle mass, and
histomorphometric studies showed earlier regeneration of axons in SIL/PDGF than in SIL
group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Local administration of PDGF‑B combined with silicon grafting could accelerate
functional recovery and may have clinical implications for the surgical management of patients
after facial nerve transection.
Key Words: Conduit, functional recovery, local, nerve repair, platelet‑derived growth factor,
sciatic