[Scope and limitations of the median nerve mouse model in research on peripheral nerve regeneration].

INTRODUCTION

Peripheral nerve regeneration is usually studied in rat animal models (N. medianus or N. ischiadicus). In this article, we further evaluate the mouse median nerve model with its advantages and possible pitfalls.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

24 mice (C57BL/6) were operated. The median nerve was exposed in the left axilla. After transection, immediate microsurgical repair followed using 11/0 sutures. In the contralateral axilla, 1 cm of median nerve was resected. After the operation, functional regeneration of the median nerve was assessed using the grasping test. Histological analysis was performed after staining with toluidine blue.

RESULTS

All animals survived the procedure. Grip strength increased starting at day 10 and reached its maximum at day 35. Myelinated fibres in the regenerated nerves showed a smaller diameter and a thinner myelin sheath and the typical microfasciculation of regenerated nerve fibres in comparison to the uninjured nerve.

CONCLUSION

The mouse median nerve model is technically demanding but opens a wide field of possible research options using genetically modified mice.