Facial nerve regeneration using basic fibroblast growth factor-impregnated gelatin microspheres in a rat model.

摘要: Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) plays a crucial role in the regeneration of peripheral nerve defects by affecting cells, Schwann cells and fibroblasts, promoting axon outgrowth from proximal stump. However, use exogenous bFGF for vivo nerves is limited its short half-life. In this study, drug delivery system was developed that uses acidic gelatin hydrogel, which sustainably released over several weeks; ability to promote also examined. 8-week-old Lewis rats, 7-mm gaps were made buccal branch left facial nerve. Acidic hydrogel microspheres (10 µl) with or without (50 µg) infused into 10 mm silicone tube using micropipette, then implanted gap. A 1-mm long stump inserted each end tube. Histological examination at 7 weeks after implantation revealed (1) significantly increased rate regeneration, (2) inducement number regenerating axons, (3) better degree maturation axons microsphere group than bFGF-free group. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.