BonE MaRRoW STEM cELLS anD pLaTELET-RicH pLaSMa EFFEcTS on nERVoUS REGEnERaTion anD FUncTionaL REcoVERY in an acUTE DEFEcT MoDEL oF RaTS’ pERipHERaL nERVE

Received in: 04/24/06; approved in: 07/07/06 inTRoDUcTion Although autologous nervous graft is a treatment alternative for nervous injuries in which primary repair cannot be made without using excessive tension, some difficulties exist in using this technique, such as the adjustment of graft’s length and diameter. Numerous attempts have been made intending to induce nervous regeneration in nerve defects using non-biological materials, such as silicone tubes (1,2,3). However, non-biological materials’ ability to induce nervous regeneration has been considered inappropriate, and the development of artificial nerves combining cells, such as the Schwann’s cells(4,5) and neurothrophic factors(6,7) together with non-biological materials has currently been broadly used. The objective of the present study was to assess the effect of bone marrow cells, platelet-rich plasma, and the combination of both on peripheral nerves regeneration compared to techniques currently in use for peripheral nerves injuries treatment. MaTERiaLS anD METHoDS isolation and culture of Bone Marrow Stem cells The isolation of bone marrow stem cells was performed after a lethal dose of Ketamin and Chloropromazin was administered. Tibia and femur were dissected. The marrow was removed with 1 ml DBPS (Gibco TM, Invitrogen Corporation, Carlsbad, CA) using a 0.8X25mm (21 Gauge) needle. Bone marrow stem cells were washed twice with 1 ml DBPS for centrifugation means for 30 seconds at 700 G. Then, cells were re-suspended at a density of 107cells/ml DBPS.