Rat model of nerve regeneration
F J Vela, J L Campos, L C Pires, F M Sánchez-Margallo, E AbellánAbstract
Introduction
Peripheral nerve injuries affect numerous patients annually, with outcomes influenced by factors such as the nerve’s regenerative capacity, injury severity, and the surgeon’s technical skill. Animal models are essential for refining surgical techniques and exploring new therapies to improve nerve regeneration. The choice of animal model depends on the target nerve. This study describes a standardized rat sciatic nerve defect model.
Methods
The sciatic nerve defect model involves the rat under deep anesthesia. The lateral thigh area is shaved and disinfected with chlorhexidine. A 3 cm incision is made below the femur, followed by the identification of the superficial gluteal and biceps femoris muscles using scissors and forceps. The sciatic nerve, located between the two muscle heads, is isolated by cutting the fascia and dissecting the muscle heads. A background band is placed to isolate the nerve from surrounding structures. After implementing the selected technique and treatment, the incision is closed in layers. For skin closure, intradermal sutures are used to prevent the rats from biting protruding threads.
Results
This rat sciatic nerve defect model supports various follow-up evaluations, including the sciatic functional index, ultrasonography, electromyography, MRI, genetic studies, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy.
Conclusion
This rat sciatic nerve model is easy to replicate and provides a robust platform for studying nerve regeneration.