Comparison of Peripheral Nerve Axonal Area Differences in Central and Peripheral Zones of Injured and Repaired Nerves

Abstract

Background Histological analysis remains a cornerstone approach for the investigation of peripheral nerve regeneration. This study investigates a newly recognized histological difference between peripheral and central zones within the regenerating nerve trunks.

Purpose The purpose of the study was to determine if the nerve axonal area (NXA) in regenerating peripheral nerves differs within central and peripheral areas, when viewed in cross-section.

Methods A total of 14 rats were divided into two groups, and subjected to different injuries to the right sciatic nerve. Group 1: Transection injury with immediate repair. Group 2: Crush injury without any treatment. The left sciatic nerve was left uninjured and served as a control in each rat. Following 4 weeks of recovery, nerve trunk cross-sections were prepared. Computerized techniques were then employed to divide nerve sections into central and peripheral zones and calculate corresponding NXA values for subsequent statistical analysis.

Results NXA of injured nerves was greater within peripheral as compared with the central zones, independent of injury type (p < 0.05). No statistically significant difference existed within the control groups or between the injury methods with regards to NXA regeneration extent.

Conclusion NXA in regenerating peripheral nerves was greater in the peripheral zones than within the central zones.

Keywords

peripheral nerve - nerve axonal area - nerve regeneration - ImageJ

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