Adipose Tissue Graft Improves Early but not Late Stages of Nerve Regeneration

In Vivo. 2017 Jul-Aug;31(4):649-655. doi: 10.21873/invivo.11107.

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of autologous fat graft on nerve regeneration by means of immunohistochemistry.

Materials and methods: The rat sciatic nerve was used; complete transection followed by primary neurorrhaphy was performed on both hind legs, on the left side a processed fat graft was applied, surrounding the nerve. Nerve biopsies were collected and immunohistochemical procedures were performed for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and for neurofilament-associated protein(NFAP).

Results: At 4 weeks, GFAP-positive cells were observed in the connective tissue formed between the two nerve endings on the left side only. At 10 weeks, GFAP-positive structures were present and exhibited a tendency to become linear on both sides, with an increased density on the left. NFAP-positive expression was present in the left treated limb with a disorganized pattern.

Conclusion: Adipose tissue led to the stimulation of GFAP-positive Schwann cells, which could have a positive impact on nerve regeneration in the clinical setting.

Keywords: GFAP; NFAP; Nerve; fat tissue addition.

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / growth & development
  • Adipose Tissue / transplantation*
  • Animals
  • Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Nerve Regeneration / genetics*
  • Nerve Regeneration / physiology
  • Neurofilament Proteins / genetics
  • Rats
  • Schwann Cells / metabolism
  • Schwann Cells / transplantation*
  • Transplantation, Autologous / methods
  • Transplants / metabolism
  • Transplants / transplantation

Substances

  • Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein
  • Neurofilament Proteins