1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Research Institute of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. 2SMG-SUN Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea. ejeong@kma.org
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of platelet-rich plasma(PRP) on rat sciatic nerve regeneration in a 10mm silicone chamber. METHODS: A total of 6 inbred Lewis rats were used in this study. Bilateral sciatic neurectomy was performed on each rat. On one side, silicone chambers containing PRP solutions were implanted; on the contralateral side, the chambers without PRP were implanted as a control. In 12 weeks post-implantation, chambers were retrieved and both gastrocnemius muscles were excised. Nerves biopsy samples were examined under a light microscope after Masson trichrome staining. RESULTS Cross sections of the midpoints of PRP treated nerves were significantly larger and appeared more mature than those of controls. CONCLUSION Based on morphological evidence, PRP has a positive effect on neural regeneration, and it may therefore be useful for treating peripheral nerve injuries.