Enhancement of musculocutaneous nerve reinnervation after vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene therapy

BMC Neuroscience, 2012 · DOI: 10.1186/1471-2202-13-57 · Published: June 6, 2012

Regenerative Medicine Neurology Genetics

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene therapy affects the reinnervation of the musculocutaneous nerve (MCN) after nerve repair in rats. The distal stump of the rat's transected MCN was treated with a plasmid (phVEGF) to increase VEGF production, and then the nerve was reconnected using either end-to-end (ETE) or end-to-side (ETS) neurorrhaphy. The study found that increasing VEGF levels in the MCN stump improved the quality of nerve regeneration and functional recovery after both ETE and ETS neurorrhaphy.

Study Duration

2 months

Participants

42 adult female Wistar rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Plasmid phVEGF transfection increased VEGF protein levels in Schwann cells of the MCN stumps.
2
phVEGF transfection resulted in higher numbers of motor and sensory neurons reinnervating the MCN after ETS neurorrhaphy.
3
phVEGF transfection improved the morphometric quality of myelinated axons, behavioral test scores, and the wet weight index of the biceps brachii muscles.

Research Summary

The study aimed to assess the impact of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene therapy on musculocutaneous nerve (MCN) reinnervation following end-to-end (ETE) or end-to-side (ETS) neurorrhaphy in rats. Results showed that plasmid phVEGF transfection of MCN stumps increased VEGF protein in Schwann cells, leading to higher quality axon reinnervation after both ETE and ETS neurorrhaphy. The study concludes that plasmid phVEGF transfection can enhance axon regeneration and functional reinnervation after nerve repair, with implications for improving outcomes in peripheral nerve injuries.

Practical Implications

Improved Nerve Regeneration

VEGF gene therapy can enhance the quality of axon regeneration after nerve repair.

Functional Recovery

Improved axon regeneration leads to better functional recovery of muscles innervated by the repaired nerve.

Clinical Application

The easy transfection method is important relative to possible clinical applications.

Study Limitations

1
The study was performed on rats, and results may not directly translate to humans.
2
The enhancement of neurons after ETE neurorrhaphy was not statistically significant compared with control animals.
3
Further research is needed to optimize VEGF delivery methods and assess long-term effects.

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