The goal of the present study was to assess whether in vitro-differentiated N1E-115 cells supported by a collagen membrane would enhance rat sciatic nerve regeneration after a crush injury. To set up an appropriate experimental model for investigating the effects of neural cell transplantation, we have recently described the sequence of functional and morphologic changes occurring after a standardized sciatic nerve crush injury with a nonserrated clamp. Functional recovery was evaluated using the sciatic functional index, the static sciatic index, the extensor postural thrust, the withdrawal reflex latency, and ankle kinematics. In addition, histomorphometric analysis was carried out on regenerated nerve fibers by means of the 2D-disector method. Based on the results of the EPT and of some of the ankle locomotor kinematic parameters analyzed, the hypothesis that N1E-115 cells may enhance nerve regeneration is partially supported although histomorphometry disclosed no significant difference in nerve fiber regeneration between the different experimental groups. Therefore, results suggest that enrichment of equine type III collagen membrane with the N1E-115 cellular system in the rat sciatic nerve crush model may support recovery, at least in terms of motor function. The discrepancy between functional and morphological results also suggests that the combined use of functional and morphological analysis should be recommended for an overall assessment of recovery in nerve regeneration studies.
(c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.