Effect of collagen gel-coated within collagen tube on rat sciatic nerve regeneration

Collagen gel can specifically play role in the nerve regeneration. The aim of this research was to study the effect of collagen gel-coated within collagen tube on sciatic nerve regeneration. This research is an experimental study that 48 male rats (200-250 gr) were used. After axotomy, 1cm segment of the sciatic nerve was removed and the animals were divided into four groups (collagen tube, collagen tube + collagen gel-coated, autograft, and sham surgery). All animals were evaluated by sciatic functional index (SFI), electrophysiology and histology. At 49th and 60th days post operation, the mean of SFI in Collagen + Collagen gel-coated were superior to other experimental groups (collagen and autograft) (P< 0.05). At 12 weeks post operation, the mean nerve conduction velocity and the mean number of myelinated axons in collagen + collagen gelcoated group were superior to other experimental groups (collagen and autograft) (P< 0.05). In this study positive effect of collagen gel on nerve regeneration through a collagen tube shows that it may be useful in treating peripheral nerve injuries.