The Novel Establishment of Neuroma in Continuity Animal Model Based on Buccal Nerve in Rats.
1Center for Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
2Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
3College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
4Division of Trauma and Emergency Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
5Department of Physical Medicine &
Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
Meeting: 2017 American Transplant Congress
Abstract number: D15
Keywords: Methodology, Rat
Session Information
Session Name: Poster Session D: Cellular & Bone Marrow Transplantation Session II
Session Type: Poster Session
Date: Tuesday, May 2, 2017
Session Time: 6:00pm-7:00pm
Presentation Time: 6:00pm-7:00pm
Location: Hall D1
Introduction: Peripheral nerve regeneration is a challenging and a rapid growing field. Its application is no longer restricted to trauma reconstruction but also in vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA). Delay or misdiagnosing the severity of peripheral nerve injury has a direct impact on its immediate and long-term prognosis. Neuroma in continuity (NIC) represents the most difficult diagnostic dilemma, frequently results in delayed reconstruction. The aim of this study is to establish a reliable and reproducible NIC animal model. This model will serve as a foundation for future therapeutic testing in both trauma and VCA animal studies.
Methodology: This NIC model is based on the buccal branch of the facial nerve. Both buccal and marginal mandibular nerves were skeletonized. Two forces (traction and compression) were applied to induce nerve injury. Only the buccal nerve was subjected to a combined traction and compression, where the marginal mandibular nerve was transected, leaving a gap of 0.5 cm preventing any potential nerve regeneration. Electrophysiology and whisker movement video assessment were used and histology study was employed to validate the severity of the injury post sacrifice.
Results: The critical force threshold for NIC injury on buccal nerve is 500g of compression plus 30g of constant traction. Electrophysiology study revealed no active nerve conduction signal post injury, nor detectable conduction at 1month post injury. No active whisker movements observed at any post injury time point till sacrifice. Histology finding is consistent with Sunderland's Grade III-IV nerve injury.
Conclusion:The initial results demonstrated the existence of neuro-protective mechanism of the surrounding connective tissues, evidently with the presence of a critical force threshold. Once the force exceeds the threshold, it will result in a complete collapse of the investigated nerve. The combined traction and compression is essential for a reproducible NIC model. This mechanical approach in developing NIC model is effective, reliable and reproducible.
CITATION INFORMATION: Hsieh Y.-H, Wen C.-J, Lin C.-H, Wei F.-C, Pei Y.-C. The Novel Establishment of Neuroma in Continuity Animal Model Based on Buccal Nerve in Rats. Am J Transplant. 2017;17 (suppl 3).
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
Hsieh Y-H, Wen C-J, Lin C-H, Wei 4F-C, Pei Y-C. The Novel Establishment of Neuroma in Continuity Animal Model Based on Buccal Nerve in Rats. [abstract]. Am J Transplant. 2017; 17 (suppl 3). https://atcmeetingabstracts.com/abstract/the-novel-establishment-of-neuroma-in-continuity-animal-model-based-on-buccal-nerve-in-rats/. Accessed June 27, 2025.« Back to 2017 American Transplant Congress