local effect of heparin binding neurotrophic factor combined with chitosan entubulization on sciatic nerve repair in rats

objective: to assess the effect of heparin binding neurotrophic factor (hbnf) on sciatic nerve regeneration in animal model of rat. methods: seventy-five male wistar rats were divided into five experimental groups randomly (each group containing 15 animals): sham operation group (sham), autograft group (auto), transected control (tc), chitosan conduit (chit) and heparin binding neurotrophic factor treated group (chit/hbnf). in auto group a segment of sciatic nerve was transected and reimplanted reversely. in sham group sciatic nerve was exposed and manipulated. in transected group left sciatic nerve was transected and stumps were fixed in adjacent muscle (tc). in treatment group defect was bridged using a chitosan conduit (chit) filled with 10 µl (0.1 mg/ml) hbnf (chit/hbnf). each group was subdivided into four subgroups of five animals each and nerve fibers were studied in a 12-week period. results: behavioral, functional, biomechanical, electrophysiological and gastrocnemius muscle mass findings and morphometric indices confirmed faster recovery of regenerated axons in treatment group than in chit group (p=0.001). immunohistochemical reactions to s-100 in treatment group were more positive than that in chit group. conclusion: local administration of hbnf improved functional recovery and morphometric indices of sciatic nerve. it could be considered as an effective treatment for peripheral nerve repair in practice.