Analysis of the Regeneration Ability of Adipose-Derived Schwann Cells for Sciatic Nerve Defects.

BACKGROUND

Schwann cells (SC) are foremost seed cells in peripheral nerve repair. Our previous research had succeeded in culturing a new source of SC from tiny nerve fibers of subcutaneous adipose tissue (A-SC) and proved their ability to form myelin sheaths. However, little is known regarding the quality and the microstructure of regenerated nerves after A-SC transplantation.

METHODS

To further explore the efficacy of A-SC on nerve regeneration, A-SC, sciatic nerve derived Schwann cells (SN-SC) and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) from CAG-EGFP transgenic mice were harvested and separately injected into the nerve conduit to repair sciatic nerve defects in wild-type mice. The regenerated nerves were studied 3 and 6 months after surgery. HE staining was used to roughly observe the histological features of regenerated nerves. Immunofluorescence staining was used to evaluate the quality of regenerated axons. Transmission electron microscopy was conducted to observe the microstructure and assess the mature level of regenerated nerves.

RESULTS

Hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunofluorescence staining showed that, in A-SC group, regenerated nerves exhibited better organized structures and the number of regenerated nerve fibers was significantly higher than that in ADSC group but a bit lower than that in SN-SC group. In addition, transmission electron microscopy revealed that microstructure of the regenerated nerves (myelin sheath thickness and diameter of myelinated nerve fibers) in A-SC group were more mature and perfect than that in ADSC group, but a little inferior than that in SN-SC group.

CONCLUSIONS

A-SCs have a clear therapeutic ability in axonal damage, which provide huge potential in clinical practice.