Comprehensive strategy of conduit guidance combined with VEGF producing Schwann cells accelerates peripheral nerve repair

• DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2021.03.020
• Publication Date: 2021-03-21T17:10:43Z
• Authors: Ping Wu; Zan Tong; Lihua Luo; Yanan Zhao; Feixiang Chen; Yinping Li; Céline Huselstein; Qifa Ye; Qingsong Ye; Yun Chen
• Keywords: Nerve guidance conduit; CD31; Schwann cell

Peripheral nerve regeneration requires stepwise and well-organized establishment of microenvironment. Since local delivery VEGF-A in peripheral repair is expected to promote angiogenesis the microenvironment Schwann cells (SCs) play critical role repair, combination VEGF may lead efficient regeneration. overexpressing were established loaded into inner wall hydroxyethyl cellulose/soy protein isolate/polyaniline sponge (HSPS) conduits. When HSPS mechanically distorted, it still has high durability strain strength, thus, can accommodate unexpected tissues motion. A 10 mm defect rat model was used test performance HSPS-SC (VEGF) conduits, meanwhile HSPS, HSPS-SC, HSPS-VEGF conduits autografts worked as controls. The immunofluorescent co-staining GFP/VEGF-A, Ki67 MBP showed that could proliferation, migration differentiation secreted from cells. multifunctional flexible examined though behavioristics, electrophysiology, innervation gastrocnemius muscle (GM), toluidine blue (TB) staining, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) NF200/S100 double staining regenerated nerve. results displayed effects on nerves group best among groups closed autografts. exhibited notably increased CD31+ endothelial activation VEGFR2/ERK signaling pathway tissues, which probably contributed improved Altogether, comprehensive strategy including cells-mediated conduit-guided provides a new avenue for tissue engineering.