The Effect of Various Types of Surgical Repair of Sciatic Nerve Transection on Number of Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons

Considering the need for appropriate maintenance of function and survival of neurons after nerve injury, and inadequacy of information about the number of sensory neurons in dorsal root ganglion after nerve trauma, this study was carried out on mice ganglia after their sciatic nerve cut. In this experimental study 12 adult, 200-250 gram weight, Wistar rats were randomly assigned into four groups of axotomy, epineurial suture repair, nerve guidance channel repair, and sham. Left sciatic nerve was transected in mid-thigh level and then in axotomy group, it left without repair in epineurial suture group it was repaired end to end and in nerve guidance channel repair it was repaird by PVDF (Polyvinilidine Flouride) tube containing collagen gel. The right side sciatic nerve spared intact. After 12 weeks, the 5th left and right dorsal root ganglia were excised and flouroscent Hoescht staining of prepared frozen sections performed and their neurons counted. Data were analysed with one way Anova, and Tuki tests. The average number of neurons in axotomy group was 144.2±11.2 (P ≤0. 001), in epineurial repair group 189.8±15.5 (P<0.04), and in nerve guidance channel group 163.9±5.6 (p<0.001). Primary surgical nerve repair decreased sensory neuronal loss after nerve transection, but could not prevent it completely. Further studies on the causes of sensory neuron death after nerve injury and repair is recommended at molecular level.