Neurotrophic effects of perfluorocarbon emulsion gel: a pilot study

The left tibial nerve of 21 immature female Sprague-Dawley rats was transected, immediately repaired, and then circumferentially coated with PFC gel (Group A, n = 7), PFC-less gel (Group B, n = 7), or nothing (suture only, Group C, n = 7). At eight weeks post surgery, electrophysiological testing and histological and morphological analysis was performed.No statistically significant differences between experimental groups were found for muscle size and weight, axon counts, or nerve conduction velocity. Group A had a significantly smaller G-ratio than Groups B and C (p < .0001).Overall results do not indicate a functional benefit associated with application of a PFC emulsion gel to rodent tibial nerve repairs. A positive effect on myelination was seen.Despite significant advances in our understanding of nerve regeneration over the past six decades, achieving consistent satisfactory results following major nerve repair or reconstruction remains a challenge. Enhancement of the local biological environment towards a more neurosupportive environment is a common strategy aimed at improving nerve repair outcomes[1,2]. Strategies to increase tissue oxygenation at the repair site have received some attention in the past, though this has generally focused on hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO). Hyperbaric oxygenation treatment to improve nerve regeneration, involves emersion of the subject (patient or animal) in a pressurized and enriched oxygen environment for several hours at a time following the nerve repair. Results of this approach are mixed, but several reports suggest a positive effect[3-7].Obvious problems with HBO include obtaining access to the expensive pressurized oxygenation chamber, the investment of prolonged unproductive periods of time within the chamber, and the possibly negative effects of fluctuating oxygen tensions associated with interval treatment schedules (i.e. high oxygenation levels will drop once the subject leaves the chamber). A less constrained approach