Experimental Study of Low Dose Ultrashortwave Promoting Nerve Regeneration after Acellular Nerve Allografts Repairing the Sciatic Nerve Gap of Rats

Cell Mol Neurobiol, 2008 · DOI: 10.1007/s10571-007-9226-1 · Published: December 6, 2007

Regenerative Medicine Neurology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates whether ultrashortwave (USW) therapy can help nerves regenerate after a specific type of nerve repair in rats. The nerve repair involves using acellular nerve allografts (ANA) to bridge a gap in the sciatic nerve. The researchers compared the effects of USW therapy to using nerve grafts from the rats themselves (autografts), as well as to a control group that only received the ANA nerve repair. The study looked at various factors like nerve speed, muscle recovery, and nerve structure to see how well the USW therapy aided nerve regeneration after the ANA repair.

Study Duration

12 weeks

Participants

16 Wistar rats

Evidence Level

Level II: Experimental study

Key Findings

1
USW therapy can increase nerve conductive velocity compared to acellular nerve allografts alone.
2
USW therapy can increase the restoring rate of tibialis anterior muscle wet weight compared to acellular nerve allografts alone.
3
USW therapy can promote Schwann cells proliferation after ANA repairing the sciatic nerve gap of rats.

Research Summary

The study aimed to observe the effect of ultrashortwave (USW) therapy on nerve regeneration after acellular nerve allografts (ANA) repairing the sciatic nerve gap of rats. USW therapy can promote nerve axon regeneration and Schwann cells proliferation after ANA repairing the sciatic nerve gap of rats. The upregulation of VEGF mRNA expression of spinal cord and muscle may play an important role in USW therapy.

Practical Implications

Clinical Application

Low dose USW can accelerate nerve regeneration velocity after operation and promote Schwann cells proliferation.

Further Research

The study provides better rationale for clinical application and encourages further investigation into the mechanisms of USW therapy.

VEGF's Role

The study highlights the potential importance of VEGF mRNA expression in nerve regeneration and suggests its upregulation as a therapeutic target.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size (four rats per group)
2
Study conducted only on rats, limiting direct translation to human applications
3
The exact mechanisms of USW therapy on VEGF mRNA expression need further clarification

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