Effect of Local Administration of Laminin and Fibronectin with Chitosan Conduit on Peripheral Nerve Regeneration: A Rat Sciatic Nerve Transection Model

Objective- effect of local administration of laminin and fibronectin on nerve regeneration was assessed. design- experimental study. animal- sixty male wistar rats. procedures- the animals were divided into four experimental groups (n=15), randomly: in transected group left sciatic nerve was transected and stumps were fixed in adjacent muscle. in treatment group (chit/lf) the defect was bridged using a chitosan conduit filled with 10 μl mixture at a concentration of 1 mg/ml laminin and 1 mg/ml fibronectin in a 1:1 volumetric addition. in chit group the conduit was filled with phosphate-buffered saline. in normal control group sciatic nerve was exposed and manipulated. each group was subdivided into three subgroups of five animals each and nerve fibers were studied in a 12-week period. results- behavioral, functional, gastrocnemius muscle mass findings and morphometric indices confirmed faster recovery of regenerated axons in chit/lf than in chit group (p<0.05). immunohistochemical reactions to s-100 in chit/lf were more positive than that in chit group. conclusion and clinical relevance- laminin-fibronectin improved functional recovery and morphometric indices of sciatic nerve. they could be considered as an effective treatment for peripheral nerve repair in practice.