Vascular endothelial growth factor promotes peripheral nerve regeneration after sciatic nerve transection in rat

ObjectiveTo evaluate the local effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on transected sciatic nerve regeneration.MethodsSixty male white Wistar rats were divided into four experimental groups randomly (n=15). In transected group the left sciatic nerve was transected and the stump was fixed to adjacent muscle. In treatment group the defect was bridged using a silicone graft filled with 10 µL VEGF. In silicone group the graft was filled with phosphate-buffered saline. In sham-operated group the sciatic nerve was exposed and manipulated. Each group was subdivided into three subgroups with five animals in each and nerve fibers were studied 4, 8 and 12 weeks after operation.ResultsBehavioral test, functional study of sciatic nerve, gastrocnemius muscle mass and morphometric indices confirmed a faster recovery of regenerated axons in VEGF group than in silicone group (P<0.05). In immunohistochemical assessment, reactions to S-100 in VEGF group were more positive than that in silicone group.ConclusionLocal administration of VEGF will improve functional recovery and morphometric indices of sciatic nerve.