The behavior of a striated muscle implant in contact with the intestinal wall. An experimental study

: Based on the experiences of Thompson and Hakelius, we wanted to study the behaviour of a previously denervated skeletal muscle, in close contact with the intestinal wall, as a possible high pressure mechanism. We used 60 Sprague-Dawley rats. Two surgical procedures were performed: sciatic nerve section and a plantaris muscle transplant at the ileum, the interval between these two procedures was zero, two and four weeks. The implant area was studied by histochemical and histological techniques at different posttransplant times. Live muscle fibers were seen in all implants. The best results were seen in those implants that has been denervated 4 weeks prior to the seconds procedure. During the first phase, there was considerable postimplant inflammation. In the later phases, healthy muscle fiber remained, but with partial fibrous substitution. An implant of skeletal muscle, prior denervated, in contact with the intestinal wall, survive the posttransplant ischemia. The implant showed live muscle fibers with structural capacity for contraction. This experimental model, that is described for the first time, allows for the functional study of pre- and postimplant behaviour.