Comparative outcome measures in peripheral regeneration studies

摘要: Traumatic peripheral nerve injuries are common and often result in partial or permanent paralysis, numbness of the affected limb, debilitating neuropathic pain. Experimental animal models injury have utilized a diversity outcome measures to examine functional recovery following injury. Four primary categories regenerative success including retrograde labeling with counts regenerating neurons, immunohistochemistry histomorphometry, reinnervation target muscles, behavioral analysis will be reviewed. Validity different discussed context hindlimb, forelimb, facial models. Severity highlighted, comparisons between crush more severe transection neuroma-in-continuity paradigms evaluated. The case is made that specific may sensitive assessing than others. This lack association certain regeneration. Examples inaccurate conclusions from also considered. Overall, researchers must therefore take care select appropriate for studies dependant on experimental interventions scientific questions addressed.