Abstract
Combinations of fibroblasts (Fbs) and corresponding epithelial cells have been widely used in many tissues, such as the skin and breast tissues, to augment tissue repair and remodeling. Recently, a large amount of new data has indicated that nerve Fbs play critical roles in Schwann cells (SCs) and axons in vitro. However, little is known regarding the effects of co-transplanting nerve Fbs and SCs on peripheral nerve repair in vivo. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of co-transplanting sciatic nerve Fbs (SN-Fbs) and sciatic nerve SCs (SN-SCs) on nerve regeneration. We developed a 5 mm nerve-defect model in mice using a polyurethane (PUR) catheter and then injected one of four different mixtures of cells into the catheters to form the following four groups: pure Matrigel (Control group), SN-Fbs alone (SN-Fb group), SN-Fbs combined with SN-SCs at a ratio of 1:2 (Fb&SC group) and SN-SCs alone (SN-SC group). Histological and functional analyses were performed 3 months later. The results indicated that in vitro, the expression levels of NGF, BDNF and GDNF were significantly higher, and in vivo, a more moderate amount of extracellular matrix was produced in the Fb&SC group than in the SN-SC group. Compared to the other groups, co-transplanting SN-Fbs with SCs at a 1:2 ratio had significantly positive effects on nerve regeneration and functional recovery.