Axonal regeneration through a bioresorbable HYAFF/sup /spl reg// based conduit in the peripheral nervous system of the rat

Summary form only given. Axonal regeneration across a 0.5 cm interstump gap in the sciatic nerve of adult Wistar rats was compared using 3 experimental models, namely a HYAFF/sup /spl reg// based bioresorbable conduit, a peripheral nerve autograft and an unfilled gap. Tissue was harvested at 1, 2 and 4 weeks post operatively, fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde and processed through polyester wax. 7/spl mu/m longitudinal sections of the implant site and stumps were immunostained using a panel of antibodies to identify Schwann cells and regenerating axons. Reinnervation of the distal stump was quantified 1 cm distal form the implant site.