Efficacy of nanofibrous conduits in repair of longsegment sciatic nerve defects

Our previous studies have histomorphologically confirmed that nanofibrous poly(3-hydroxybutyrateco-3-hydroxyvalerate) conduit can be used to repair 30-mm-long sciatic nerve defects.However,the repair effects on rat behaviors remain poorly understood.In this study,we used nanofibrous poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) conduit and autologous sciatic nerve to bridge 30-mm-long rat sciatic nerve gaps.Within 4 months after surgery,rat sciatic nerve functional recovery was evaluated per month by behavioral analyses,including toe out angle,toe spread analysis,walking track analysis,extensor postural thrust,swimming test,open-field analysis and nociceptive function.Results showed that rat sciatic nerve functional recovery was similar after nanofibrous poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) conduit and autologous nerve grafting.These findings suggest that nanofibrous poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) conduit is suitable in use for repair of long-segment sciatic nerve defects.