Effect of Electroporation on Sciatic Nerve of the Rat (A Primary Report on an Animal Study)

Electroporation of cells for cancer ablation has gained popularity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of electroporation in nerve injury and neuroma formation. In an experimental study, the sciatic nerves cut in 38 rats and the repair was studied by dividing them in 3 groups; each group receiving a different treatment. Sixteen rats received electroporation, 16 received end-to-end repair, and 6 “control” rats received no electroporation. The repair and possible formation of neuroma was evaluated by light-microscopy and the function of the nerve was assessed with sciatic functional index (SFI). Complete nerve injury was demonstrated by SFI in the 3 groups, in the first-week evaluation. After 2 weeks, significant recovery of function was seen in the electroporation group; and in 4 weeks it was similar to control group. This group reached normal SFI in 5 weeks. The cut and repaired group never reached a normal SFI. The electroporation in the sciatic nerve of rat produces complete functional improvement after nerve injury and possibly could be useful for treating symptomatic neuromas.