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J Reconstr Microsurg
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1787729
Original Article

Experimental Cranial Nerve Models in the Rat

Huseyin Karagoz
1   Department of Plastic Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
,
Feng Zhang
2   Department of Plastic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
,
Sara C. Chaker 
1   Department of Plastic Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
,
William C. Lineaweaver
1   Department of Plastic Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
› Author Affiliations Funding None.
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Abstract

Background The intricacies of nerve regeneration following injury have prompted increased research efforts in recent years, with a primary focus on elucidating regeneration mechanisms and exploring various surgical techniques. While many experimental animals have been used for these investigations, the rat continues to remain the most widely used model due to its cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and resilience against diseases and surgical/anesthetic complications. A comprehensive evaluation of all the experimental rat models available in this context is currently lacking.

Methods We summarize rat models of cranial nerves while furnishing descriptions of the intricacies of achieving optimal exposure.

Results This review article provides an examination of the technical exposure, potential applications, and the advantages and disadvantages inherent to each cranial nerve model.

Conclusion Specifically in the context of cranial nerve injury, numerous studies have utilized different surgical techniques to expose and investigate the cranial nerves in the rat.

Keywords

nerve injury model - cranial nerves - rat model


Publication History

Received: 20 February 2024

Accepted: 05 May 2024

Article published online:
18 June 2024

© 2024. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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