[Nerve regeneration in autologous and allogeneic transplant of the sciatic nerve of the rat with and without immunosuppression by cyclosporin A]

Abstract

The following experimental studies show different stages of regeneration and rejection in autologous and allogenic nerve grafts in 162 rats with and without immunosuppression with Cyclosporin A. Allografts were used in congenic rats differing only in major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Nerve regeneration was studied in autologous grafts with and without treatment with Cy A and with toxic doses of Cy A. No difference in nerve regeneration was seen in these groups. Allografts were transplanted between congenic rats type LEW 1 A and 1 U and vice versa with and without treatment with Cy A. Various degrees of rejection from slight to moderate were seen. Without Cy A-treatment, nerve grafts were totally destroyed after four weeks. With Cy A, nerve grafting resulted in complete regeneration.