Clinical and histopathological observations of autologous bone marrow stromal cells implantation on the regeneration of sciatic nerve neurotmesis in rabbit

The peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) is due to stretching and laceration. Therefore, the epineural repair technique is currently accepted as a standard method for peripheral nerve repair. Thirty-two (32) rabbits were divided equally into perineural nerve sutures as control group (CG) and bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) as the treatment group (TG). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the autologous BMSCs implantation on the regeneration of sciatic nerve neurotmesis in rabbits. There was significant improvement (p<0.05) of the motor and sensory functions in the TG animals as compared to the CG. Histopathological examinations of the proximal nerve stump in the CG showed mild adherence surrounding an anastomosed area, few vacuolation and plenty of collagen at the peri and epineurium. The anastomosed site showed the degeneration, disorientation and giant cell surrounding the stitches, while intraneurial scar tissues were seen in the distal segment at the 112(th) post operation day (POD). The histopathology of TG showed the activated Schwann cells, good myelination, minimum scar tissue, good orientation and remarkable angiogenesis at the 112(th) POD. BMSCs are capable of improving the motor and sensory functions and significantly promote the regeneration of sciatic nerve neurotmesis in rabbits.