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. 2025 Sep 19;13(9):e7104.
doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000007104. eCollection 2025 Sep.

Effect of Platelet-rich Plasma and Brief Electrical Stimulation Following Facial Nerve Neurorrhaphy in a Rat Model

Janelle Sloychuk  1 , Jin Soo Song  1 , Lin Fu Zhu  2 , Adrian Mendez  3 , Jillian Querney  4 , David Côté  1
Affiliations

Effect of Platelet-rich Plasma and Brief Electrical Stimulation Following Facial Nerve Neurorrhaphy in a Rat Model

Janelle Sloychuk et al. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. .

Abstract

Background: With ongoing investigations to improve facial nerve recovery after injury, brief electrical stimulation (BES) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) application have become promising modalities. The usage of combined modalities has not yet been investigated. We aimed to evaluate differences in facial nerve regeneration between rats receiving BES (group 1) and rats receiving BES plus PRP (group 2) following transection and primary neurorrhaphy.

Methods: This was a prospective randomized animal study of 2 groups of 6 rats that underwent facial nerve transection and repair at the main trunk of the nerve. Both groups received BES on postoperative day 0 for 1 hour using an implantable stimulation device, with group 2 additionally receiving concurrent PRP. The primary measure of whisker amplitude was recorded from 2 to 8 weeks postoperatively.

Results: At week 2, the average whisker amplitude for groups 1 and 2 was 6.5 and 2.0 degrees, respectively. At week 4, group 1 remained unchanged at 6.1 degrees, whereas group 2 improved to 10.1 degrees. By 6 weeks, average amplitudes were 8.2 and 14.0 degrees, respectively. By week 8, measures were 9.8 and 16.7 degrees, respectively. All results were statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Application of BES and PRP following neurorrhaphy in a rat model yields a greater effect than BES alone in expediting facial nerve recovery.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no financial interest to declare in relation to the content of this article.

Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Rodent restraint and whisker model setup.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
Measuring whisker amplitude using the laser curtain.
Fig. 3.
Fig. 3.
Acrylic helmet for head fixation.
Fig. 4.
Fig. 4.
Whisking amplitude in degrees at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks postoperatively.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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