Cadaver nerve allografts in dogs.

Cadaver nerve allografts were studied in major histocompatibility complex-identical beagle donor/recipient combinations. Grafts were removed 3 and 6 hours after the death of the donor, preserved at -70 degrees C and transplanted as 7 cm long grafts at a later date. Graft function and histology was evaluated 9 to 11 months after transplantation by electromyographic examination and histological studies, respectively. Cadaver nerve allografts removed 3 and 6 hours after death show exactly the same excellent regeneration as the freshly removed cryopreserved nerve allografts in major histocompatibility complex identical combinations. This information is of value for future attempts to establish nerve banks of a many as possible different major histocompatibility types. Such banks will be required to accommodate the necessary donor/recipient matching for clinical nerve allografting.