Background Large gap healing is a difficult issue in the recovery of peripheral nerve injury. The present study provides in vivo trials of silicone rubber chambers filled with collagen containing IFN-γ or IL-4 to bridge a 15 mm sciatic nerve defect in rats. Fillings of NGF and normal saline were used as the positive and negative controls. Neuronal electrophysiology, neuronal connectivity, macrophage infiltration, location and expression levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide and histology of the regenerated nerves were evaluated. Results At the end of 6 weeks, animals from the groups of NGF and IL-4 had dramatic higher rates of successful regeneration (100 and 80%) across the wide gap as compared to the groups of IFN-γ and saline controls (30 and 40%). In addition, the NGF group had significantly higher NCV and shorter latency compared to IFN-γ group (P < 0.05). The IL-4 group recruited significantly more macrophages in the nerves as compared to the saline controls and the NGF-treated animals (P < 0.05). Conclusions The current study demonstrated that NGF and IL-4 show potential growth-promoting capability for peripheral nerve regeneration. These fillings in the bridging conduits may modulate local inflammatory conditions affecting recovery of the nerves.

中文翻译：

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神经生长因子、干扰素-γ和白细胞介素-4引发的内源性炎症信号对周围神经再生的影响。

背景大间隙愈合是周围神经损伤恢复中的一个难题。本研究提供了填充含有 IFN-γ 或 IL-4 的胶原蛋白的硅橡胶室的体内试验，以弥合大鼠 15 mm 坐骨神经缺损。NGF填充物和生理盐水作为阳性和阴性对照。评估了神经元电生理学、神经元连接性、巨噬细胞浸润、降钙素基因相关肽的位置和表达水平以及再生神经的组织学。结果 在 6 周结束时，与 IFN-γ 和盐水对照组（30 和40%）。此外，与 IFN-γ 组相比，NGF 组的 NCV 显着升高，潜伏期更短（P < 0.05）。与盐水对照组和 NGF 处理的动物相比，IL-4 组在神经中募集的巨噬细胞显着增多（P < 0.05）。结论 目前的研究表明，NGF 和 IL-4 对周围神经再生具有潜在的促生长能力。桥接导管中的这些填充物可以调节影响神经恢复的局部炎症状况。