[The use of muscle autograft or nerve allograft denatured by microwave for repair of gaps in rat facial nerve].

OBJECTIVE

Attempt to enhance recovery of rat facial nerve through different grafts.

METHODS

Rats facial nerve mandible branch gap was repaired using different grafts, either muscle autograft or sural nerve allograft denatured by microwave. Axonal regeneration was studied in 10th week after insertion of the denatured muscle autografts or sural nerve allografts and compared with results found in autologous sural nerve grafts used as controls. Axonal regeneration, Schwann cell behavior and efficacy of nerve and muscle were quantified using CB-HRP retrograde trace, HE staining, Flamming staining and electromyography.

RESULTS

Denatured nerve allografts and muscle autografts supported the higher rates and volumes of axonal regeneration. Nerve allografts had the higher degree of myelin sheath developing.

CONCLUSION

Nerve autograft and muscle autograft denatured by microwave are convenient, source sufficient, higher efficient grafts for repairing facial nerve gap and have potential clinical use.