Materials and methods for nerve grafting

摘要

The subject invention pertains to compositions and methods for promoting repair of damaged nerve tissue using nerve grafts and preparation of nerve grafts. The compositions and methods of the subject invention can be employed to restore the continuity of nerve interrupted by disease, traumatic events or surgical procedures. Compositions of the subject invention comprise one or more chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG)-degrading enzymes that promote axonal penetration into damaged nerve tissue and nerve graft. The invention also concerns methods for promoting repair of damaged nerve tissue using the present compositions and nerve tissue treated according to such methods. The invention also includes storage solutions for nerve tissue.

主权项

1. A method for preparing a nerve graft for implantation into a mammal, the method comprising the steps of:
a) providing a nerve graft capable of supporting axonal ingress after implantation and comprising a structurally complete nerve segment containing an intact basal lamina tube; b) rendering the nerve graft acellular by chemical extraction with a detergent; c) degrading chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan of the nerve graft by applying, in vitro, at least one chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan-degrading enzyme to the nerve graft so as to condition the nerve graft for enhanced post-implantation axonal ingress from a truncated adult peripheral nerve of the mammal into the nerve graft at a site of coaptation wherein the post-implantation axonal ingress is enhanced relative to a nerve graft to which the at least one chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan-degrading enzyme has not been applied.