[Morphological changes and quantitative DNA analysis of Schwann cells in peripheral nerves after high voltage electrical injury]

Abstract

Objective: To explore the characteristics and the mechanism of the injury of Schwann cells and nerve fibres of the peripheral nerves inflicted by high voltage electricity.

Methods: Rabbits injured by high voltage electricity were employed as the model. Thirty rabbits were randomly divided into control (9) and experimental (21) groups. The dynamic quantitative DNA analysis and the change of the morphology and structure of the sciatic nerve were observed with LM and EM on 0, 3, 7, 10, 14 and 21 postburn days (PBDs), respectively.

Results: There was continuous degeneration of the axon and medullary sheath of sciatic nerve tissue and its neogenesis was inhibited. The DNA synthesis in Schwann cell initiated on 3 postburn day (PBD). The distribution of the current was heterogeneous on the cross section of peripheral nerve fibres.

Conclusion: The obvious features of peripheral nerve injured by high voltage electricity included delayed initiation of the DNA synthesis of Schwann cell and the secondary necrosis and inhibition of neogenesis process of Schwann cell.