Schwann cell cultures: recent advances and novel approaches to the reconstruction of peripheral nerve defects.

Current techniques in tissue engineering may offer a choice regarding the reconstructive strategies of peripheral nerves. Schwann cell cultures are to be considered an appropriate option in the reconstruction of peripheral nerve and spinal cord large defects. Schwann cells availability from peripheral nerve autografts creates a great benefit concerning their usefulness in the nervous autogenic transplantation. Allogeneic Schwann cells transplantation can be effective in the reconstruction without delay of peripheral nerve defects.