Experimental study on repair of the facial nerve with Schwann cells transfected with GDNF genes and PLGA conduits

Abstract

CONCLUSIONS: Schwann cells transfected by GDNF genes + PLGA were superior to Schwann cells + PLGA and direct anastomesis. This is a new and effective strategy for repair of facial nerve defects. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of bioactive artificial nerve conduits in the repair of facial nerve defects in Sprague-Dawley rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Schwann cells were harvested and transfected with PcDNA3.1 (+)/GDNF. After injection with Schwann cells, the conduits were cultured in the culture medium for 2 weeks. Thirty female Sprague-Dawley rats were selected and randomly divided into three groups (A, B, and C), which were treated as follows: A, direct anastomesis; B, Schwann cells + PLGA conduits; C, Schwann cells transfected by GDNF genes + PLGA conduits. General observation, electrophysiological study, histological study, and image analysis were performed 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The recovery of nerve regeneration and electrophysiological results in group C were superior to those in groups A and B; the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.01).