Original researchPulsed electromagnetic fields accelerate functional recovery of transected sciatic nerve bridged by chitosan conduit: An animal model study

•Effect of body exposure to pulsed electromagnetic fields on transected nerve regeneration was assessed.•Body exposure to PEMF improved functional recovery and morphometric indices of sciatic nerve.•PEMF combined with chitosan grafting could be an effective, safe and tolerable treatment in clinical practice.

Introduction: Effect of whole body exposure to pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) on nerve regeneration in a rat sciatic nerve transection model was assessed. Methods: Sixty male white Wistar rats were divided into four experimental groups (n = 15), randomly: In transected group (TC) left sciatic nerve was transected and stumps were fixed in adjacent muscle. In chitosan group (CHIT) the defect was bridged using a chitosan conduit filled with phosphate-buffered saline. In treatment group (CHIT/PEMF) the whole body was exposed to PEMF (0.3 mT, 2 Hz) for 4 h/day within 1-5 days. In normal control group (NC) sciatic nerve was only dissected and manipulated. Each group was subdivided into three subgroups of five animals each and nerve fibers were studied 4, 8 and 12 weeks after surgery. Results: Behavioral, functional, electrophysiological, biomechanical, gastrocnemius muscle mass findings and morphometric indices confirmed faster recovery of regenerated axons in CHIT/PEMF than in CHIT group (p < 0.05). Immunohistochemical reactions to S-100 in CHIT/PEMF were more positive than that in CHIT group. Discussion: Whole body exposure to PEMF improved functional recovery and morphometric indices of sciatic nerve. Detailed mechanism of neuroprotective action remains to be investigated. Conclusion: PEMF combine with chitosan grafting could be considered as an effective, safe and tolerable treatment for peripheral nerve repair in clinical practice.