Electrophysiological and histopathological effects of mesenchymal stem cells in treatment of experimental rat model of sciatic nerve injury

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate electrophysiological and histopathological effects of mesenchymal stem cells in treatment of sciatic nerve injury. Material and methods: Thirty-two female Spraque-Dawley rat were used in this study. Eight rats were used as a reference group in electrophysiological analysis for evaluation of non-injured nerve recordings (Control Group). Twenty-four rats were used for experimental evaluation. Twelve rats were anastomosed without treatment with mesenchymal stem cells (Sham Group) and twelve other rats were anastomosed and treated with mesenchymal stem cells (Stem Cell Group). Surgicel and bioglue were used in anastomosed line in both Groups. Eight weeks after the surgery, electrophysiological evaluation of rats was performed and, then, rats were decapitated under anesthesia and specimens including sciatic nerves and anastomosed line were taken for histopathological evaluation. Electromyography and nerve conduction velocity testing and histopathological scoring including rate of Wallerian degeneration, and neuroma and scar formation were evaluated for both Groups. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between Sham and Stem Cell Groups with respect to histopathological evaluation. However, nerve conduction velocity showed significant difference between groups (P = 0.001). Nerve conduction velocity was significantly improved in Stem Cell Group when compared to Sham Group. Conclusion: In this study, based on nerve conduction velocity data, it was concluded that treatment with mesenchymal stem cells during end-to-end anastomosis improves functional regeneration.