EFFECT OF PLATELET-RICH PLASMA ON PERIPHERAL NERVE REGENERATION. MODEL IN RAT

Abstract

Introduction: Activated platelets release various growth factors, some ot which are recognize to improve nerve regeneration. The present study evaluated the effect of platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) in end to end neurorraphy.

Material and method: A total of 38 Spragle-Dawley rats were used. The PRP was obteined from each rat and applicated to the same rat. The left hind limb were used as experimental, with the right as control. The animals were treated in two grups. In both groups the sciatic nerve was dissected from the sciatic notch to the bifurcation. The nerve was transected an repaired with epineural suture (ethilon 9–0). Group A (n=12): suture without PRP. Group B (n=15) suture with PRP. The rats were anestherized and electromyographic studie was performed after the following, 120,5 days for group A and 125,86 for group B. Prior to sacrifice muscular and nerve tissue harvesting was performed.

The amplitude was expressed as the amplitude at the experimental sde divided by the amplitude at the contralateral, untreated side, multiplied by 100%. Recording was done in gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscle.

Results: The stimulation was performed in supramaximal form on both groups: Group A: (without PRP)

• The mean of intensity was 1.49 mA and the mean of threshold was 0,56 mA

• The mean of amplitude was 19,53mV for tibialis anterior and 42,83 mV for gastrocnemius

• The mean of latency was 2,28ms for tibialis anterior and 2,19ms for gastrocnemius Group B: (with PRP)

• The mean of intensity was 1,46 mA and the mean of threshold was 0,53 mA

• The mean of amplitude was 21,83mV for tibialis anterior and 19,32mV for gastrocnemius

• The mean of latency was 2,43ms for tibialis anterior and 2,29ms for gastrocnemius

No stadistical difference on both groups was found.

Histological studies were performed and results are no available at the moment of send this abstract

Conclusions:

1. No evidence has been found that the use of PRP has a beneficial effect on peripheral nerve regeneration

2. Further studies should be do to elucited the real role of PRP on peripheral nerve regeneration.