Abstract

Objective: The incapability to promptly improve behavioral function after discontinuation of peripheral nerves is a current problem in clinical practice. Effect of local polyethylene glycol in combination with chitosan-based hybrid nanofiber conduit was assessed. Study Design: A 10-mm sciatic nerve defect was bridged using a chitosan-based hybrid nanofiber conduit (Chitosan) filled with phosphate-buffered saline. In authograft group (AUTO), a segment of sciatic nerve was transected and reimplanted reversely. In polyethylene glycol-treated group (CHIT/PEG), the conduit was filled with polyethylene glycol solution. The regenerated fibers were studied within 12 weeks after surgery. Results: The behavioral and functional tests confirmed faster recovery of the regenerated axons in PEG-treated group compared to Chitosan group (p <.05). The mean ratios of gastrocnemius muscles weight were measured. There was statistically significant difference between the muscle weight ratios of CHIT/PEG and Chitosan groups (p <.05). Morphometric indices of regenerated fibers showed number and diameter of the myelinated fibers were significantly higher in CHIT/PEG than in Chitosan. In immuohistochemistry, the location of reactions to S-100 in CHIT/PEG was clearly more positive than Chitosan group. Conclusion: polyethylene glycol solution when loaded in a chitosan-based hybrid nanofiber conduit resulted in acceleration of functional recovery and quantitative morphometric indices of sciatic nerve. © 2016, © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.