Adipose-Derived Stem Cells and Tacrolimus Improve Nerve Regeneration in a Rat Sciatic Nerve Defect Model

This study compared the effect of undifferentiated adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) vs tacrolimus (FK506) in peripheral nerve regeneration in a rat sciatic nerve complete transection model. Forty Wistar rats were equally distributed in four groups. In the SHAM surgery group, the sciatic nerve was exposed and no further intervention was done. In the conduit-alone group ( the SLN group), a 10- mm nerve gap was created and bridged with a fibrin conduit filled in with normal saline. In the FK506 group, the fibrin conduit was injected with soluble FK506. In the ADSC group, the conduit was impregnated with undifferentiated ADSCs. Nerve regeneration was assessed by means of walking track analysis, electromyography, and neurohistomorphometry. Clinically and microscopically, nerve regeneration was achieved in all groups at 12 weeks. Walking track analysis confirmed functional recovery in the FK506 and ADSC groups, but there was no difference between them. Recovery in function was also achieved in the SLN group, but it was inferior (P<. 05). Electromyography demonstrated superior nerve regeneration in the FK506 and ADSC groups compared with the SLN group ( P<.05), with no difference between the FK506 and ADSC groups. Similarly, histology showed no difference between the FK506 and ADSC groups, although both outperformed the SLN group ( P<. 05). No complications were observed. Successful peripheral nerve regeneration can be accomplished after a 10-mm nerve defect treated with nerve conduits. Superior nerve regeneration may be expected when the conduits are loaded with undifferentiated ADSCs or FK506, with similar outcomes for ADSCs and FK506.