Functional Assessment of Rat Sciatic Nerve Regeneration Using a Nerve Conduit Based on Ion Exchange Membrane

The problem with modern nerve conduits is inability to transmit nerve impulses to the distal part of the damaged nerve. Cationic conductivity is a necessary characteristic of the nerve conduit ensuring effective regeneration of the peripheral nerves. We performed a functional assessment of the regeneration of rat sciatic nerve using a nerve conduit based on an ion-exchange membrane. A sciatic nerve defect was experimentally simulated in Wistar rats with further implantation of the LF-4SK membrane. On days 60 and 90 after surgery, the sciatic functional index and the ratio of the shin girth of the operated limb to the intact limb were calculated; on day 90, an electrophysiological assessment of nerve recovery was carried out. The results of the study showed that the conduit based on the LF-4SK membrane optimizes the functional recovery of the sciatic nerve defect.