Adipose tissue graft improves early but not late stages of nerve regeneration

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of autologous fat graft on nerve regeneration by means of immunohistochemistry. Materials and Methods: The rat sciatic nerve was used; complete transection followed by primary neurorrhaphy was performed on both hind legs, on the left side a processed fat graft was applied, surrounding the nerve. Nerve biopsies were collected and immunohistochemical procedures were performed for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and for neurofilamentassociated protein(NFAP). Results: At 4 weeks, GFAPpositive cells were observed in the connective tissue formed between the two nerve endings on the left side only. At 10 weeks, GFAP-positive structures were present and exhibited a tendency to become linear on both sides, with an increased density on the left. NFAP-positive expression was present in the left treated limb with a disorganized pattern. Conclusion: Adipose tissue led to the stimulation of GFAP-positive Schwann cells, which could have a positive impact on nerve regeneration in the clinical setting.