Using Eggshell Membrane as Nerve Guide Channels in Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

Objective(s):  The aim of this study was to evaluate the final outcome of nerve regeneration across the eggsell membrane (ESM) tube conduit in comparison with autograft. Materials and Methods: Thirty adult male rats (۲۵۰-۳۰۰ g) were randomized into (۱) ESM conduit, (۲) autograft, and (۳) sham surgery groups. The eggs submerged in ۵% acetic acid. The decalcifying membranes were cut into four pieces, rotated over the teflon mandrel and dried at   ۳۷°C. The left sciatic nerve was surgically cut. A ۱۰-mm nerve segment was cut and removed. In the ESM group, the proximal and distal cut ends of the sciatic nerve were telescoped into the nerve guides. In the autograft group, the ۱۰ mm nerve segment was reversed and used as an autologous nerve graft. All animals were evaluated by sciatic functional index (SFI) and electrophysiology testing.  Results:The improvement in SFI from the first to the last evalution in ESM and autograft groups were evaluated. On days ۴۹ and ۶۰ post-operation, the mean SFI of ESM group was significantly greater than the autograft group (P< ۰.۰۵). On day ۹۰, the mean nerve conduction velocity (NCV) of ESM group was greater than autograft group, although the difference was not statistically significant (P> ۰.۰۵). Conclusion:These findings demonstrate that ESM effectively enhances nerve regeneration and promotes functional recovery in injured sciatic nerve of rat.

Keywords:

Eggshell membrane , Nerve regeneration , Rat , Sciatic nerve