INTRODUÇÃO: O nervo facial desempenha um papel importante em diversas funções fisiológicas no organismo, no entanto, distúrbios funcionais desse nervo podem também afetar a psique do indivíduo, provocando mudanças significativas na autoimagem, interferindo no rendimento profissional e piorando a qualidade de vida. Lesões graves do nervo facial (neurotmeses) mesmo quando tratadas precocemente apresentam resultados funcionais pobres. Com a recente descoberta das células-tronco, as células multipotentes do estroma mesenquimal indiferenciadas (CMEMi) ou diferenciadas em células com fenótipo de células de Schwann (CMEMd) podem ser uma alternativa melhor para o tratamento de lesões graves do nervo facial. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a melhora funcional e histológica do ramo mandibular do nervo facial após neurotmese e implantação das CMEMi e CMEMd. MÉTODOS: Em 48 ratos Wistar realizou-se a neurotmese do ramo mandibular direito do nervo facial com a formação de um hiato de 3mm e a tubulização (conduíte de silicone) da região do nervo lesada. Foram criados quatro grupos de acordo com o método de reparo: conduíte de silicone vazio (grupo A, grupo controle); conduíte de silicone com gel acelular (grupo B); conduíte de silicone com gel acelular e CMEMi (grupo C), e conduíte de silicone com gel acelular e CMEMd (grupo D). Um quinto grupo, grupo N, foi criado a partir de segmentos do nervo normal para a avaliação histológica. Os resultados funcionais foram avaliados com o estudo de condução nervosa e os histológicos por avaliação qualitativa e quantitativa dos segmentos proximais e distais. RESULTADOS: Na avaliação funcional, após 6 semanas, os grupos C e D apresentaram amplitudes maiores que os grupos A e B (p<0,001). O grupo C apresentou duração menor que os grupos A, B e D (p<0,001). Na avaliação qualitativa dos segmentos proximais, houve pouca diferença entre os grupos, já nos segmentos distais, as diferenças dos grupos A e B em relação aos grupos C e D foram bem evidentes, no entanto, em ambos os segmentos, o grupo C foi o que mais se aproximou do nervo normal. Na avaliação histológica quantitativa do segmento proximal, não houve diferença no número total e na densidade axonal entre os grupos (p0,169), somente nos diâmetros axonais dos grupos A e B quando comparados ao nervo normal (p<0,001). No segmento distal, o número e a densidade axonal do grupo C foram maiores que os do grupo A e B (p=0,001) e iguais as do grupo D (p=0,711), porém, em todos os grupos, número e a densidade axonal foram menores que do grupo N (p0,003). Não houve diferença na média dos diâmetros entre os grupos operados (p0,007), somente quando comparados com o grupo N (p<0,001). CONCLUSÕES: As CMEMi assim como as CMEMd beneficiaram a regeneração do ramo mandibular do nervo facial de ratos Wistar, contudo, as CMEMi apresentaram resultados funcionais e histológicos melhores que as CMEMd / INTRODUCTION: Facial nerve performs an important function in different physiological activities in the organism, however, functional disturbances of such nerve may also attack a persons mind, causing expressive changes in their self-image, interfering in professional life and aggravating their quality of life. Severe lesions in the facial nerve (neurotmesis) present poor functional results even when early treated. With recent discovering of the stem cells, undifferentiated multipotent stem cell (uMSC) from mesenchymal stroma or differentiated to Schwann cell-like (dMSC) can be a better perspective to treat severe lesion of the facial nerve. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to evaluate the functional and histological improvement of the mandibular branch after neurotmesis and implantation of the uMSC and dMSC. METHODS: The neurotmesis of the right mandibular branch of the facial nerve with a 3mm gap formation and tubulization (silicone tubing) of the wounded nerve area was performed in 48 Wistar rats. Four groups were divided according to the restoration method: empty silicone tubing (group A, control group); silicone tubing with non-cell gel (group B); silicone tubing with non-cell gel and uMSC (group C) and silicone tubing with non-cell gel and dMSC (group D). A fifth group (N) was created from the normal nerve segments to perform histological evaluation. The nerve conduction study evaluated the functional results; quantity and quality evaluation of the distal and proximal segment evaluated the histological results. RESULTS: After six weeks, regarding functional evaluation, groups C and D presented larger amplitude than groups A and B (p<0.001). Group C presented lesser duration than groups A, B and D (p<0.001). There was little difference among the groups in the quality evaluation of the proximal segments; on the other hand, the differences in groups A and B in relation to groups C and D were quite expressive in the distal segments. However, group C, in both segments, was the one that came closer to the normal nerve. Regarding quantity histological evaluation of the proximal segment, there was no difference in the total number and in the axonal density among the groups (p0.169); there was difference only in the axonal diameters in groups A and B when compared to normal nerve (p<0,001). Regarding distal segment, axonal density and number, in group C, were higher than in group A and B (p=0.001) and the same as in group D (p=0,711), but number and axonal density were lesser than in group N (p0,003). There was no difference in the diameter average among the operated groups (p0.007), when only compared to group N (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Both uMSC and dMSC benefited regeneration of the mandibular branch of the facial nerve in Wistar rats, although uMSC presented better functional and histological results

INTRODUÇÃO: Após uma lesão de um nervo periférico, o seu reparo é realizado com suturas epineurais dos cotos utilizando-se fio de náilon. O processo inflamatório provocado pela passagem da agulha e pela presença do material de sutura com consequente formação de tecido cicatricial na linha de sutura torna-se um obstáculo à regeneração axonal após o reparo do nervo. Existe na literatura a hipótese que a utilização de um menor número de pontos necessários para assegurar a união dos dois cotos correlaciona-se com uma melhor regeneração axonal. Foi avaliada a influência do diferente número de suturas epineurais terminoterminais no nervo ciático do rato na regeneração axonal, além de avaliar o remodelamento da matriz extracelular através da caracterização dos tipos de colágenos tipo I e III presentes no local de sutura de acordo com o número de pontos adotados. MÉTODOS: Neste estudo experimental foram utilizados trinta ratos machos Wistar submetidos à exposição do nervo ciático direito e divididos em três grupos. Em dois grupos, o nervo foi seccionado e imediatamente reparado com três (Grupo 3P, n=10), ou seis (Grupo 6P, n=10) suturas epineurais usando fio de náilon 10.0. Um grupo (Grupo C, n=10) foi utilizado como controle para determinar os valores normais de todos os parâmetros avaliados. Cada animal pertencente aos grupos de reparo foram submetidos à avaliação eletrofisiológica previamente a secção do nervo e após um intervalo de oito semanas após a neurorrafia, consistindo de registro do potencial de ação motor do músculo gastrocnêmio. Segmentos do nervo foram utilizados para avaliação histomorfométrica da regeneração axonal, avaliada pela contagem de axônios e medida do diâmetro das fibras, e para caracterização e quantificação do colágeno no local de reparo. Imunofluorescência foi utilizada para caracterização dos colágenos tipo I e II no epineuro e endoneuro. RESULTADOS: O índice de regeneração axonal (IR) foi menor no grupo submetido à sutura epineural com seis pontos (IR=1,18±0,26) que no grupo de três pontos (IR=1,32±0,25) e, naquele mesmo grupo, houve uma diminuição mais acentuada da velocidade de condução do potencial de ação do nervo. Os animais submetidos à sutura epineural com seis pontos apresentaram uma diferença significativa na produção do colágeno epineural tipo I (p=0,014) e de colágeno epineural tipo III (p=0,002) quando comparados com os animais submetidos à sutura com três pontos. Não houve diferença significativa na produção de colágeno tipo I ou tipo III endoneural. CONCLUSÕES: O grupo submetido a um maior número de suturas epineurais apresentou maior quantidade de colágenos tipo I e III no epineuro, mas não no endoneuro, que se correlacionou com um menor índice de regeneração axonal e uma diminuição mais acentuada da velocidade de condução do potencial de ação do nervo. / PURPOSE: After an injury to a peripheral nerve, its repair is performed with epineural sutures of the stumps using nylon. The inflammatory process caused by the passage of the needle and the presence of suture material with the consequent formation of scar tissue at the suture line becomes an obstacle to axonal regeneration after nerve repair. In the literature there is a hypothesis that the use of a smaller number of points needed to ensure the union of the two stumps is correlated with better axonal regeneration. It was evaluated the influence of different number of end-to-end epineural sutures in rat sciatic nerve on axonal regeneration and the remodeling of the extracellular matrix through the characterization of collagen type I and III present at the suture according to the number of stitches. METHODS: Thirty male Wistar rats were operated on to exposure the right sciatic nerve and were divided in three groups. In two groups the nerve was sectioned and immediately repaired by means of three (Group 3P, n=10) or six (Group 6P, n=10) epineurium sutures using 10-0 monofilament nylon. One group (Group C, n=10) was used as a control to assess normal values of all evaluated parameters. Each animal from repaired groups underwent electrophysiologic evaluation previously to nerve section and at 8-week interval after neurorrhaphy, consisting of motor action potential recording from the gastrocnemius muscle. Nerve biopsy specimens were used for histomorphometric assessment of axonal regeneration, evaluated by axonal counting and measurement of fiber diameter, and for collagen characterization and quantification at repair site. Immunofluorescence was used for characterization of types I and III collagen at epineurium and endoneurium. RESULTS: The axonal regeneration index (RI) was lower in the group submitted to suture with six stitches (RI = 1.18 ± 0.26) than in the group of three stitches (RI = 1.32 ± 0.25) and the group submitted to six stitches showed a greater reduction in conduction velocity of nerve action potential. Animals submitted to suture with six stitches showed a significant difference in the production of epineural collagen type I (p = 0.014) and type III (p = 0.002) compared to animals submitted to suture with three stitches. There was no significant difference in production of endoneural collagen type I or type III. CONCLUSIONS: The group submitted a greater number of epineural sutures had a higher amount of collagen type I and III in the epineurium but not in the endoneurium, which correlated with a lower rate of axonal regeneration and a greater reduction in conduction velocity of action potential nerve.

Grandes perdas de tecido neural não permitem a reparação por meio de anastomose primária. Nesses casos, a auto-enxertia de nervo é considerado o melhor tratamento. A despeito de um tratamento cirúrgico adequado, déficits funcionais são observados e melhoras quanto à recuperação funcional e diminuição das seqüelas são desejáveis. Várias são as técnicas que almejaram esse propósito. A interposição de condutores tubulares, como ponte entre os cotos proximal e distal do nervo seccionado, apresenta-se como uma técnica alternativa que oferece vantagens teóricas. A veia é um material estudado como possível condutor tubular avaliado experimentalmente e em casos clínicos. Estudos recentes têm dado importância na utilização de transplantes de tecidos armazenados em banco de tecidos. O glicerol é utilizado para preservação de tecidos, tendo sido relatado seu uso em nervos e vasos. Entretanto, não há relatos da utilização de veias preservadas em glicerol como substituto de enxerto de nervo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar, em ratos, o grau de regeneração neural, utilizando análise histológica e análise funcional, obtida com a interposição de enxerto autógeno de nervo, veia autógena, veia autógena preservada em glicerol e veia alógena preservada em glicerol. Com técnica microcirúrgica, foram criados defeitos de 5 mm do nervo fibular de ratos da raça Lewis. Os animais foram divididos em quatro grupos de seis, de acordo com o tratamento empregado para correção do defeito: nos animais do Grupo A (grupo controle), foi realizado o reposicionamento do fragmento de nervo retirado (auto-enxerto); nos animais do Grupo B, foi interposto um segmento de 1 cm de veia jugular externa autógena; nos animais do Grupo C, foi interposto a veia jugular externa autógena preservada em glicerol a 98% a 4ºC por sete dias; no Grupo D os animais doadores foram ratos da raça Sprague-Dawley que tiveram a veia jugular externa preservada em glicerol de forma igual ao Grupo C e utilizadas para reconstrução do defeito neural em ratos da raça Lewis, sendo considerado um enxerto alógeno preservado em glicerol. Os animais foram sacrificados após seis semanas para realização dos estudos histológicos. Para a avaliação da recuperação funcional foram estudados os padrões de deambulação dos ratos (\"walking track analysis\") no pós-operatório imediato, 3 e 6 semanas de pós-operatório. O grupo controle (auto-enxerto) apresentou resultados histológicos semelhantes aos grupos de veias preservadas em glicerol (autógena e alógena), entretanto apresentou uma maior reação tecidual perineural e maior presença de escape axonal se comparada a todos os grupos. A utilização de veia autógena sem preservação demonstrou padrão histológico com maior neoangiogênese e áreas de rarefação axonal com presença de tecido conectivo no estroma neoformado. O padrão histológico foi semelhante nos demais grupos. O grupo que utilizou veia autógena (sem glicerol) apresentou menor recuperação funcional quando comparado com os demais grupos para 3 e 6 semanas. O resultado funcional foi estatisticamente semelhante entre os grupos de veias preservadas (autógena e alógena) e o auto-enxerto. / Great losses of neural tissue cannot be repaired by primary conventional suturing. In such cases, nerve autografting is considered to be the treatment of choice. In spite of adequate surgical treatment, functional deficits occur. Also, improvement in functional recuperation and decrease in sequelae are expected. There are many techniques aiming at this purpose. The interposition of tubular conduits, as a bridge between the ends of a sectioned nerve, among these the vein graft, is an alternative technique which offers theoretical advantages. The vein is a studied material as possible evaluated tubular conductor experimentally and in clinical cases. Recent studies have given importance in the use of tissues transplants stored in banks. Glycerol is used for tissue preservation, having been told to its use in nerves and vessels. However, it does not have studies of the use of glycerol reserved veins in as substitute of nerve graft. The purpose of this study was to compare, in rats, the neural regeneration degree, using histological analysis and functional analysis, obtained after interposition of a nerve graft, autogenous vein, autogenous vein preserved in glycerol and allograft vein preserved in glycerol. A 5 mm neural gap in the fibular nerve of rats (Lewis breed) has been created under microsurgical techinique. Four groups of six animals each have been divided according to the treatment employed: Group A - control group: replacement of the fibular nerve itself (autograft); Group B - a 1omm segment of external jugular vein was interposed; Group C - a preserved external jugular vein in glycerol 98% per 7 days was interposed in the fibular nerve gap; Group D - external jugular vein preserved in glycerol of Sprague-Dawley rats had been used equal form to group C in Lewis rats. The animals had been sacrificed after 6 weeks for accomplishment of the histological studies. The functional walking track analysis was performed after in the pre-op, and in the pos-op (immediately, 3 and 6 weeks). The control group (autograft) presented similar histological results to the groups of glycerol preserved veins (autogenous vein and allograft vein), however it presented a bigger perineural tecidual reaction and bigger presence of escape axonal if compared with all the groups. The use of autogenous vein without preservation demonstrated histological results with greater neoangiogenesis and presence of connective tissue inside the neo-formed stroma. Histological pattern was similar to other studied groups. The group that used autogenous vein (without glycerol) presented little functional recovery for 3 and 6 weeks. No statistical difference was seen between groups A (autograft) and groups C and C(preserved veins) in the degree of functional recovery.

Para avaliar a eficácia do método de pré-degeneração em nervos ciáticos de ratos durante diferentes intervalos de tempo, foram realizados estudos histomorfométricos de cortes laminares obtidos ao nível do enxerto e no segmento distal do nervo receptor. Os resultados foram comparados com a técnica convencional de enxertia nervosa. Verificou-se que o tempo de pré-degeneração interfere na regeneração de novos axônios e que o período mais adequado para sua utilização situou-se ao redor de 2 semanas no modelo experimental adotado / In order to evaluate the efficacy of a predegeneration method in rat sciatic nerves during different periods of time, histomorphometric studies were performed at the graft and distal segment sites of the recipient nerves. The results were compared with the conventional nerve grafting technique. It was shown that the period of predegeneration interfered in the regeneration of new axons and the most favorable time for its use is around 2 weeks, in this experimental model

A auto-enxertia de nervo é considerado o melhor tratamento para a restauração de grandes perdas de nervo periférico. Mesmo com o tratamento cirúrgico adequado, déficits funcionais são observados e melhoras quanto à recuperação funcional e diminuição das seqüelas são desejáveis. Várias são as técnicas que almejaram esse propósito. A interposição de condutores tubulares, como ponte entre os cotos proximal e distal do nervo seccionado, apresenta-se como uma técnica alternativa que oferece vantagens teóricas. A veia é um material estudado como possível condutor tubular avaliado experimentalmente e em casos clínicos. Estudos recentes têm dado importância na utilização de transplantes de tecidos armazenados em banco de tecidos. O glicerol é utilizado para preservação de tecidos, tendo sido relatado seu uso em nervos e vasos. Entretanto, não há relatos da utilização de veias preservadas em glicerol como substituto de enxerto de nervo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar, em ratos, o grau de regeneração neural, utilizando análise histológica qualitativa e quantitativa e a recuperação funcional, obtida com a interposição de enxerto autógeno de nervo, veia autógena, veia autógena preservada em glicerol e veia alógena preservada em glicerol. Com técnica microcirúrgica, foram criados defeitos de 5 mm do nervo fibular de ratos da raça Lewis. Os animais foram divididos em quatro grupos de seis, de acordo com o tratamento empregado para correção do defeito: nos animais do Grupo A (grupo controle), foi realizado o reposicionamento do fragmento de nervo retirado (auto- enxerto); nos animais do Grupo B, foi interposto um segmento de 1 cm de veia jugular externa autógena; nos animais do Grupo C, foi interposto a veia jugular externa autógena preservada em glicerol a 98% a 4ºC por sete dias; no Grupo D os animais doadores foram ratos da raça Sprague-Dawley que tiveram a veia jugular externa preservada em glicerol de forma igual ao Grupo C e utilizadas para reconstrução do defeito neural em ratos da raça Lewis, sendo considerado um enxerto alógeno preservado em glicerol. Os animais foram sacrificados após seis semanas para realização dos estudos histológicos. Para a avaliação da recuperação funcional foram estudados os padrões de deambulação dos ratos (walking track analysis)no pós-operatório imediato, 3 e 6 semanas de pós-operatório. O grupo controle (auto-enxerto) apresentou resultados histológicos semelhantes aos grupos de veias preservadas em glicerol (autógena e alógena), entretanto apresentou uma maior reação tecidual perineural e maior presença de escape axonal se comparada a todos os grupos. A utilização de veia autógena sem preservação demonstrou padrão histológico com maior neoangiogênese e áreas de rarefação axonal com presença de tecido conectivo no estroma neoformado. O padrão histológico foi semelhante nos demais grupos. A análise histológica quantitativa demonstrou estatisticamente menor concentração de axônios regenerados no grupo B (veia autógena) do que a dos demais grupos. O grupo que utilizou veia autógena (sem glicerol) apresentou menor recuperação funcional quando comparado com os demais grupos para 3 e 6 semanas. O resultado funcional foi estatisticamente semelhante entre os grupos de veias preservadas (autógena e alógena) e o auto-enxerto / Nerve autografting is considered the best treatment for the restoration of great losses of peripheral nerve. In spite of adequate surgical treatment, functional deficits occur. Also, improvement in functional recuperation and decrease in sequelae are expected. There are many techniques aiming at this purpose. The interposition of tubular conduits, as a bridge between the ends of a sectioned nerve, among these the vein graft, is an alternative technique which offers theoretical advantages. The vein is a studied material as possible evaluated tubular conductor experimentally and in clinical cases. Recent studies have given importance in the use of tissues transplants stored in banks. Glycerol is used for tissue preservation, having been told to its use in nerves and vessels. However, it does not have studies of the use of glycerol reserved veins in as substitute of nerve graft. The purpose of this study was to compare, in rats, the neural regeneration degree, using qualitative and quantitative histological analysis and functional recovery, obtained after interposition of a nerve graft, autogenous vein, autogenous vein preserved in glycerol and allograft vein preserved in glycerol. A 5 mm neural gap in the fibular nerve of rats (Lewis breed) has been created under microsurgical techinique. Four groups of six animals each have been divided according to the treatment employed: Group A Î control group: replacement of the fibular nerve itself (autograft); Group B Î a 1omm segment of external jugular vein was interposed; Group C Î a preserved external jugular vein in glycerol 98% per 7 days was interposed in the fibular nerve gap; Group D - external jugular vein preserved in glycerol of Sprague-Dawley rats had been used equal form to group C in Lewis rats. The animals had been sacrificed after 6 weeks for accomplishment of the histological studies. The functional walking track analysis was performed after in the pre-op, and in the pos-op (immediately, 3 and 6 weeks). The control group (autograft) presented similar histological results to the groups of glycerol preserved veins (autogenous vein and allograft vein), however it presented a bigger perineural tecidual reaction and bigger presence of escape axonal if compared with all the groups. The use of autogenous vein without preservation demonstrated histological results with greater neoangiogenesis and presence of connective tissue inside the neo- formed stroma. Histological pattern was similar to other studied groups. Quantitative histological analysis showed statistically lower concentration of regenerated axons in group B (autogenous vein) than the other groups.The group that used autogenous vein (without glycerol) presented little functional recovery for 3 and 6 weeks. No statistical difference was seen between groups A (autograft) and groups C and C (preserved veins) in the degree of functional recovery

A contração muscular gerada por impulsos elétricos provenientes de duas fontes nervosas distintas pode ser alternativa no tratamento de lesões do plexo braquial e na paralisia facial. O objetivo desta tese foi avaliar e comparar diferentes técnicas de reinervação dupla com a técnica de reinervação única do músculo gastrocnêmio em ratos. Cinquenta ratos Wistar adultos, após terem seu nervo fibular direito seccionado, foram divididos em cinco grupos com relação ao procedimento realizado no nervo tibial: controle (C); seccionado (S); neurorrafia término-terminal (TT); neurorrafia primária associada à transferência nervosa fibular para tibial de maneira término-lateral (TL); e neurorrafia término-terminal convergente entre os cotos proximais dos nervos tibial e fibular com o coto distal do nervo tibial (TTC). Os resultados foram avaliados 12 semanas após o experimento por meio do teste da marcha, eletromiografia, índice de massa do músculo gastrocnêmio e contagem axonal no coto distal do nervo tibial. Os grupos de reinervação dupla (TL e TTC) revelaram maiores resultados funcionais (p < 0,05) em relação ao grupo de reinervação única (TT). O grupo TTC apresentou maior amplitude (p=0,006) e maior latência (p=0,041) do que o grupo TT. Em relação ao índice de massa muscular, não houve diferença entre os grupos de reinervação (p > 0,705). A análise histológica revelou maior densidade axonal no grupo TTC em relação ao grupo TT (p=0,001) e ao grupo TL (p=0,002). Ambas técnicas de dupla reinervação revelaram recuperação funcional do músculo gastrocnêmio mais precoce e maior quando comparadas à técnica de reinervação única (TT). Os animais do grupo TTC apresentaram maior número de axônios regenerados no coto distal do nervo tibial do que os do grupo TT e TL / Muscle contraction generated by electrical impulses simultaneously originating from two different neural sources may be an interesting treatment alternative for facial palsy and brachial plexus injury. The purpose of this thesis was to evaluate and compare distinct double reinnervation techniques with single reinnervation technique of gastrocnemius muscle in rats. Fifty adult Wistar rats underwent transection of their right peroneal nerve and were divided into five groups related to tibial nerve procedure: the control group (C), tibial nerve section group (S), tibial nerve end-to-end neurorrhaphy (EE) group, tibial nerve primary repair associated with end-to-side peroneal-to-tibial nerve transfer (ES) group, and tibial nerve repair by convergent end-to-end neurorrhaphy between the proximal stumps of the tibial and peroneal nerves to the distal stump of the tibial nerve (CEE) group. The outcomes were assessed 12 weeks after the experiment by use of a walking track, electromyography, gastrocnemius muscle mass index, and histomorphometric analysis of the distal tibial nerve. The double reinnervation groups (ES and CEE) showed greater functional recovery (p < 0.05) than the single reinnervation group (EE). The CEE group showed greater amplitude (p=0.006) and higher latency (p=0.041) than the EE group. There was no difference in the muscle mass index among the reinnervation groups (p > 0.705). Histologic analysis revealed greater axonal density in the CEE group than EE group (p=0.001) and ES group (p=0.002). The double reinnervation techniques showed earlier and greater functional recovery of the gastrocnemius muscle than did the single reinnervation technique. The CEE group showed a higher number of regenerated axons in the distal tibial nerve stump

La lésion de nerfs périphériques peut engendrer des déficits moteurs et/ou sensoriels permanents. En dépit des progrès techniques réalisés au cours de ces 25 dernières années, une récupération complète suite à ces lésions n’est pas encore possible aujourd'hui. L’autogreffe nerveuse, toujours considérée comme le standard clinique, est la seule technique capable d’offrir les meilleurs résultats en termes de récupération fonctionnelle. Cependant, la survenue de complications post-opératoires lors d’autogreffes d’un nerf et la quantité limitée de nerfs disponibles conduisent à mettre au point d’autres stratégies alternatives. Dans ce contexte, la mise au point de biomatériaux pour substituts nerveux devient une nécessité clinique. Malgré les efforts de la recherche, ces prothèses ne permettent toujours pas une régénération du nerf à la hauteur de l’autogreffe. Le biomatériau utilisé doit notamment présenter des propriétés physiques et chimiques proches de celui du nerf natif. La soie, aux propriétés mécaniques uniques, représente une bonne alternative pour mettre au point ce type de prothèses. En effet, la protéine de soie déjà utilisée dans le domaine biomédical est biocompatible. Les modifications chimiques de cette protéine améliore et favorise l’adhérence et la croissance cellulaires par l’incorporation de facteurs de croissance ou d’autres molécules d'intérêt. Ce travail de thèse propose de développer un nouveau type de biomatériau à base de soie fonctionnalisée par deux facteurs de croissance : le Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) et le Ciliary NeuroTrophic Factor (CNTF). Étant donné l’architecture complexe qui compose la structure nerveuse, une matrice supportant la repousse des tissus de façon orientée semble primordiale. Nous démontrons, dans un premier temps, le pouvoir de ces nanofibres alignées (produites par electrospinning) à orienter la régénération tissulaire de différents organes par culture d’explants. Les nanofibres de soie alignées, biocompatibles sont bio-activées par ajout de NGF spécifique de la régénération nerveuse. Cette matrice créée présente un gradient de concentration en NGF qui permet d’orienter la repousse axonale en stimulant la croissance axonale dans une seule direction. Afin d’optimiser la croissance de deux populations cellulaires, nous avons incorporé du CNTF pour produire des nanofibres bifonctionnalisées. Ces nanofibres bifonctionnalisées ont conduit à une longueur des neurites 3 fois plus grande à leurs contacts, stimulant la croissance des cellules gliales. Ainsi, nous avons produit des conduits nerveux à base de soie biofonctionnalisée pour implantation chez le rat. Les analyses physico-chimiques et les propriétés mécaniques démontrent le caractère biomimétique de nos tubes de guidage. Les premières études de la locomotion et l’observation de coupes du nerf sciatique de rat, suite à l’implantation de nos conduits donnent des résultats très prometteurs. L’ensemble de ces travaux démontre l’efficacité de nos guides nerveux à base de soie et les présente comme une alternative prometteuse à l’autogreffe nerveuse pratiquée en clinique. / Peripheral nerve injury causes sensory and/or motor functions deficits. Despite technological advances over the past 25 years, a complete recovery from these injuries remains unsatisfactory today. The autograft still considered the "gold standard" in clinical practice. This is the only technique able to offer complete functional recovery. However, the occurrence of postoperative complications in autologous nerve and the limited amount of available nerves lead to develop alternatives strategy.In this context, development of nerve graft substitutes becomes by far a clinical necessity. Despite research efforts, these artificial prostheses design based on biomaterial doesn’t allow nerve regeneration as found in autograft nerve procedures. The biomaterial used must have the physical and chemical properties similar to that of the native nerve. Silk, well known for its unique mechanical properties, proposes a good alternative to develop these prostheses. Indeed, the silk protein is commonly used in the biomedical field and regenerative medicine. This protein biocompatibility may be improved through chemical modifications to promote adhesion and cell growth by the incorporation of growth factors or other molecules of interest. Therefore, this thesis proposes to develop a new type of functionalized silk biomaterial based on two growth factors : Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Ciliary NeuroTrophic Factor (CNTF). Given the complex architecture that consists of nerve structure, a matrix which is able to support and manage the outgrowth of tissue becomes essential. We demonstrate the power of these aligned nanofibers (produced by electrospinning) to guide and manage tissue regeneration from different organ explants culture. Aligned silk nanofibers, were biocompatible and bio-activated by adding NGF involved for nerve regeneration. This matrix has been created with a concentration gradient of NGF to guide neuritis outgrowth in only one direction. The presence of this gradient demonstrated a better axonal growth in one direction versus the uniform concentration conditions. Nerve cells consist essentially of two cell populations which are neurons and Schwann cells. To optimize the culture and growth of these two populations, in addition to NGF, we incorporated CNTF to produce bifunctionalized nanofibers. These biofunctionalised nanofibers led to a length 3 times larger on contact with neurites. The glial cells growth, alignment and migration were stimulated by CNTF. Thus, we produced bi-functionalized nerve guidance conduits for rat implantation. The physico-chemical analyzes demonstrate the biomimetic of our guide tubes. Early studies of locomotion and observing histological sections of rat sciatic nerve, following the implementation of our conduits gave very promising results.These studies demonstrate the relevance of our nervous guides’ silk-based developed as an effective alternative to nerve autograft performed in the clinic.

Peripheral nerve injuries occur with high incidence and often result in profound and permanent impact on the life of patients and on healthcare expenditure. Schwann cells (SC) play a promoting role in peripheral nerve regeneration providing physical and neurotrophic support that aids axon re-growth. However, these beneficial properties are not exploitable in nerve tissue engineering due to the difficulties in SC harvesting and expansion in culture. Adult stem cells derived from bone marrow (BM-MSC) and from adipose tissue (ASC) can be differentiated in SC-like cells and be used as SC substitutes in bioengineered nerve conduits for the improvement of peripheral nerve regeneration. Pharmacological intervention approaches for the treatment of nerve injury are still not clinically available. Nevertheless, γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors have been recently suggested as a putative target for such purpose. GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter of the adult brain and interacts with two different receptor types. However, both GABA-A and GABA-B receptor types are functionally expressed also in SC, where they are involved in the regulation of SC physiology and in the development of the peripheral nervous system (PNS).The aim of this thesis was to characterise the GABAergic system of BM-MSC and ASC differentiated into a SC-like phenotype and to evaluate changes in the expression levels following differentiation. Moreover, the effect of specific GABA receptor ligands on cell proliferation and neurotrophic potential of differentiated stem cells were assessed. Using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry we demonstrated that adult stem cells express several subunits of both GABA-A and GABA-B receptor systems such as GABA-B1a, GABA-B1b and GABA-B2, as well as GABA-A α2 and GABA-A β3. Expression levels and cellular localisation were comparable with adult and neonatal SC cultures used as positive controls, and protein expression levels for some of the subunits changed following glial differentiation. Interestingly, stimulation of GABA receptors with specific agonists influenced stem cell proliferation in two opposite ways. Baclofen, a GABA-B receptor agonist decreased proliferation of SC and differentiated ASC (dASC), but not of SC-like BM-MSC (dBM-MSC). By contrast, muscimol, a GABA-A receptor agonist, increased proliferation in SC and in both dASC and dBM-MSC. This suggests that GABAergic signalling could be a potential player in the mechanisms regulating stem cell differentiation and proliferation as reported in SC. Finally, baclofen treatments on SC and dASC modulated the expression levels and the release of the neurotrophins BDNF and NGF, which are key actors in the processes involved with peripheral nerve regeneration. Although further studies will be needed to clarify the role of GABA receptors in the PNS, the presence of functional GABA receptors on SC-like adult stem cells could represent an exploitable pharmacological target to modulate stem cell physiology and improve their neurotrophic potential for peripheral nerve regeneration.

Foi realizado um estudo experimental da influência do ultra-som terapêutico na regeneração do nervo ciático submetido a esmagamento controlado, em ratos. Foram empregados no estudo 20 ratos da linhagem Wistar, de peso médio em torno de 250 g, divididos em dois grupos, conforme o tipo de procedimento realizado: 1) somente esmagamento, dez ratos; e 2) esmagamento e irradiação com ultra-som, 10 ratos. Sob anestesia, o nervo ciático era exposto na coxa direita do animal e esmagado com um dispositivo especialmente idealizado e confeccionado para essa finalidade, com uma carga fixa de 15 Kg, por 10 minutos, num segmento de 5 mm proximal à sua bifurcação. A irradiação com o ultra-som pulsado (1:5, freqüência de 1 MHz, intensidade de 0.4 W/'CM POT.2', duração de 2 minutos) era iniciada já no primeiro dia pós-operatório e realizada por dez dias consecutivos. Os resultados foram avaliados pela análise funcional da impressão plantar dos animais obtidas numa pista de marcha e determinação do índice funcional do ciático (De Medinaceli e Bain, Mackinnon e Hunter), e pela morfometria, através do cálculo da densidade de fibras nervosas, após sacrifício dos animais no vigésimo primeiro dia pós-operatório. Os resultados foram submetidos a análise estatística e mostraram que, nas condições do trabalho, o ultra-som acelerou a regeneração do nervo, demonstrável com significância no vigésimo primeiro dia pós-operatório / An experimental study of the influence of therapeutic ultrasound on the regeneration of the sciatic nerve submitted to controlled crush injury was carried out in rats. Twenty female Wistar rats weighing 250 g on average were used and distributed in two groups according to the procedure: 1) crush injury only, ten rats; 2) crush injury followed by ultrasound irradiation, ten rats. Under general anesthesia the sciatic nerve was exposed on the right thigh and crushed with a device especially devised and built for that purpose, with a 15 kg constant load for 10 minutes, affecting a 5 mm-long segment of the nerve proximal to its bifurcation. Pulsed ultrasound irradiation (1:5, 1 MHz frequency, 0.4 W/'CM POT.2' intensity, 2 minutes duration) was started the day after the operation and repeated for ten consecutive days. The results were evaluated by functional footprint analysis and determination of the sciatic functional index (DeMedinaceli's and Bain, Mackinnon and Hunter's methods) at weekly intervals, and by morphometry (nerve fiber density) of the resected sciatic nerve after killing the animals on the 21st postoperative day. Results were submitted to statistical evaluation and showed that, in the conditions of the study, ultrasound accelerated nerve regeneration, as demonstrated with significance on the 21st postoperative day

Toward the next generation of nerve guidance conduits (NGCs), novel biomaterials and functionalization concepts are required to address clinical demands in peripheral nerve regeneration (PNR). As a biological polymer with bioactive motifs, gelatinous peptides are promising building blocks. In combination with an anhydride-containing oligomer, a dual-component hydrogel system (cGEL) was established. First, hollow cGEL tubes were fabricated by a continuous dosing and templating process. Conduits were characterized concerning their mechanical strength, in vitro and in vivo degradation and biocompatibility. Second, cGEL was reformulated as injectable shear thinning filler for established NGCs, here tyrosine-derived polycarbonate-based braided conduits. Thereby, the formulation contained the small molecule LM11A-31. The biofunctionalized cGEL filler was assessed regarding building block integration, mechanical properties, in vitro cytotoxicity, and growth permissive effects on human adipose tissue-derived stem cells. A positive in vitro evaluation motivated further application of the filler material in a sciatic nerve defect. Compared to the empty conduit and pristine cGEL, the functionalization performed superior, though the autologous nerve graft remains the gold standard. In conclusion, LM11A-31 functionalized cGEL filler with extracellular matrix (ECM)-like characteristics and specific biochemical cues holds great potential to support PNR.