Stem cells in end-to-side neurorrhaphy: experimental study in rats

Purpose: To evaluate the influence of mesenchymal stem cells from adipose tissue in the end-to-side neurorrhaphy, focusing in the nerve regeneration and the muscle reinnervation in acute trauma. Methods: 140 animals were randomly divided in seven groups: control, denervated, end-to-side neurorrhaphy between distal stump of common peroneal nerve and tibial nerve (ESN), ESN wrapped in fascia, ESN wrapped in fascia and platelet gel, ESN wrapped in platelet gel, ESN wrapped in fascia and platelet gel within stem cells (without culture) removed from the adipose tissue. Mass measurements of the animal and of cranial tibial muscles, electromyography, walking track analysis tests and histological examinations of the nerves and muscles after 180 days was performed. Results: In the groups where the ESN was performed, the results were always better when compared to the denervated group, showing reinnervation in all ESN groups. The most sensitive methods were walking track and histological analysis. Only the group with stem cells showed values similar to the control group, as well as the functional indices of peroneal nerve and the number of nerve fibers in the peroneal nerve. Conclusions: Stem cells were effective in ESN according with the functional index of the peroneal nerve, evaluated by walking track analysis and the number of nerve fibers in the peroneal nerve.(AU)

Combination of heterologous fibrin sealant and bioengineered human embryonic stem cells to improve regeneration following autogenous sciatic nerve grafting repair

Background Peripheral nerve injury is a worldwide clinical problem, and the preferred surgical method for treating it is the end-to-end neurorrhaphy. When it is not possible due to a large nerve gap, autologous nerve grafting is used. However, these surgical techniques result in nerve regeneration at highly variable degrees. It is thus very important to seek complementary techniques to improve motor and sensory recovery. One promising approach could be cell therapy. Transplantation therapy with human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) is appealing because these cells are pluripotent and can differentiate into specialized cell types and have self-renewal ability. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to find conditions under which functional recovery is improved after sciatic nerve neurorrhaphy. We assumed that hESC, either alone or in combination with heterologous fibrin sealant scaffold, could be used to support regeneration in a mouse model of sciatic nerve injury and repair via autografting with end-to-end neurorrhaphy. Methods Five millimeters of the sciatic nerve of C57BL/6 J mice were transected off and rotated 180 degrees to simulate an injury, and then stumps were sutured. Next, we applied heterologous fibrin sealant and/or human embryonic stem cells genetically altered to overexpress fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) at the site of the injury. The study was designed to include six experimental groups comprising neurorrhaphy (N), neurorrhaphy + heterologous fibrin sealant (N + F), neurorrhaphy + heterologous fibrin sealant + doxycycline (N + F + D), neurorrhaphy + heterologous fibrin sealant + wild-type hESC (N + F + W), neurorrhaphy + heterologous fibrin sealant + hESC off (N + F +T), and neurorrhaphy + heterologous fibrin sealant + hESC on via doxycycline (N + F + D + T). We evaluated the recovery rate using Catwalk and von Frey functional recovery tests, as well as immunohistochemistry analysis. Results The experiments indicated...

Combination of heterologous fibrin sealant and bioengineered human embryonic stem cells to improve regeneration following autogenous sciatic nerve grafting repair

Background Peripheral nerve injury is a worldwide clinical problem, and the preferred surgical method for treating it is the end-to-end neurorrhaphy. When it is not possible due to a large nerve gap, autologous nerve grafting is used. However, these surgical techniques result in nerve regeneration at highly variable degrees. It is thus very important to seek complementary techniques to improve motor and sensory recovery. One promising approach could be cell therapy. Transplantation therapy with human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) is appealing because these cells are pluripotent and can differentiate into specialized cell types and have self-renewal ability. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to find conditions under which functional recovery is improved after sciatic nerve neurorrhaphy. We assumed that hESC, either alone or in combination with heterologous fibrin sealant scaffold, could be used to support regeneration in a mouse model of sciatic nerve injury and repair via autografting with end-to-end neurorrhaphy. Methods Five millimeters of the sciatic nerve of C57BL/6 J mice were transected off and rotated 180 degrees to simulate an injury, and then stumps were sutured. Next, we applied heterologous fibrin sealant and/or human embryonic stem cells genetically altered to overexpress fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) at the site of the injury. The study was designed to include six experimental groups comprising neurorrhaphy (N), neurorrhaphy + heterologous fibrin sealant (N + F), neurorrhaphy + heterologous fibrin sealant + doxycycline (N + F + D), neurorrhaphy + heterologous fibrin sealant + wild-type hESC (N + F + W), neurorrhaphy + heterologous fibrin sealant + hESC off (N + F +T), and neurorrhaphy + heterologous fibrin sealant + hESC on via doxycycline (N + F + D + T). We evaluated the recovery rate using Catwalk and von Frey functional recovery tests, as well as immunohistochemistry analysis. Results The experiments indicated...(AU)

End-to-side versus end-to-end neurorrhaphy at the peroneal nerve in rats

Purpose: To evaluate three different kinds of neurorrhaphy of the peroneal nerve. Methods: Eigthy rats were divided into 5 groups. Control: nerve had no intervention. End-to-end (EE): nerve was cut and elongated with a nerve graft with two end-to-end neurorrhaphies. End-to-side (ES): nerve was cut and sutured to the graft with at the lateral side of the nerve. Side-to-end (SE): the nerve was cut and sutured to the graft with end-to-end neurorrhaphy. Denervated: nerve was cut and both endings were buried into the muscle. The evaluation was done by walking track analysis, electrophysiology, body mass, cranial tibial muscle mass, nerve and muscle fibers morphometry. Results: The EE, ES and SE have the same potential of reinnervation. Conclusion: There is no functional or histological difference between these different types of neurorrhaphy.(AU)

Comparison of palmar digital neurectomy by the guillotine technique and palmar digital neurotomy associated with end-to-side neurorrhaphy in mares / Comparação entre neurectomia por técnica de guilhotina e neurotomia associada à neurorrafia em alça de balde em nervo digital palmar de éguas

Five mares were submitted to palmar digital neurectomy by the guillotine technique and palmar digital neurotomy followed by end-to-side neurorrhaphy (right and left thoracic limbs, respectively). Mares were checked for local pain sensation using hoof tester and submitted to lameness workup at 15-day intervals. No evidence of painful neuroma formation was detected. Palmar digital nerve (PDN) stump segments were collected within 60 days of surgery. Mean left and right limb PDN stump thickness corresponded to 5.96 mm and 7.16 mm, respectively. Schwann cells prevailed over connective healing tissue in all PDN stumps studied. Well-formed nerve-like structures with better organized nervous tissue and predominance of parallel nerve fiber orientation were documented in left limb PDN stumps. End-to-side neurorrhaphy tended to promote tissue organization, potentially reducing the chances of neuroma formation(AU)

O nervo digital palmar (NDP) lateral do membro torácico direito (MTD) de cinco equinos fêmeas foi submetido à neurectomia pela técnica da guilhotina, e o do membro torácico esquerdo (MTE) à neurotomia e neurorrafia término-lateral. Os animais foram avaliados a cada 15 dias quanto ao teste de sensibilidade cutânea com pressão local com pinça de casco e de claudicação, não sendo notados sinais clínicos de neuroma doloroso. Aos 60 dias pós-cirurgia coletou-se segmentos dos cotos proximais dos NDPs. Os dos MTDs apresentavam em média, a espessura de 7,16 mm e aos dos MTEs de 5,96 mm. Nos cotos proximais dos nervos dos membros direito e esquerdo notou-se predominância de células de Schwann à grande quantidade de tecido conjuntivo cicatricial. Os do MTEs apresentavam estruturas de nervo típico, bem constituídas, com maior organização do tecido nervoso e predomínio de fibras nervosas orientadas paralelamente. A neurorrafia termino-lateral apresentou tendência a ocasionar maior organização entre as estruturas analisadas, o que lhe conferiu menor potencial em desenvolver neuromas dolorosos(AU)

Effect of electrical stimulation of the cranial tibial muscle after end-to-side neurorrhaphy of the peroneal nerve in rats

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficiency of electrical stimulation in the muscle maintenance and nerve regeneration after end-to-side neurorrhaphy (ESN). METHODS: Sixty male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) were divided into four experimental groups. Control group (Control), Denervated Group (Denervated); Group with End-to-side neurorrhaphy (ESN); Group with End-to-side neurorrhaphy and electrical stimulation (ESN + ES). We perform electrical stimulation in rats after they had undergone muscle reinnervation by ESN. We collected morphometric and functional data. RESULTS: When comparing the mass of the treated side of cranial tibial muscle (CTM) and that of normal side of CTM, the group ESN + ES (26.12%) exhibited lower mass loss than that of group ESN (37.23%). The peroneal functional index showed that group ESN + ES equaled that of the Control group and showed an evolution of 60.5% while group ESN showed an evolution of 9.5%. In measuring maximum strength of CTM, the group ES + ESN outperformed group ESN. The muscle and nerve morphometry showed superiority of group ES+ESN over ESN group in all parameters. CONCLUSION: Electrical stimulation is an effective means of maintaining functional muscle and nerve regeneration after end-to-side neurorrhaphy.(AU)

Evaluation of nerve regeneration in diabetic rats

PURPOSE: To compare sciatic nerve regeneration between non-diabetic (control) and streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats. METHODS:Four subgroups were evaluated. CN: Non-diabetic rats submitted to neurorrhaphy (n=9); DN: Diabetic rats submitted to neurorrhaphy (n=9); CG: Non-diabetic rats submitted to nerve grafting (n=10); DG: Diabetic rats submitted to nerve grafting (n=9). The nerve regeneration was evaluated by walking track analysis (sciatic functional index), electrophysiological test, histomorphometric analysis and triceps surae muscle weight. RESULTS:At 60 days post-surgery, functional recovery of DN was similar to that of the non-diabetic rats (CN, CG), but DG didn't achieve the same. Evoked potential amplitudes showed no statistically significant differences among subgroups. Triceps surae muscle was heavier in CN. No statistically significant differences were observed between the control and diabetes subgroups with respect to histomorphometric analysis. CONCLUSION: After 60 days, DN had a functionally similar recovery to that of the control animals, whereas nerve grafting in diabetic rats didn't allow the same. The muscle atrophy was lower in CN. In the rest of evaluations, as electrophysiological and histomorphometric, diabetic rats were not different from control ones.(AU)

The embracing end-to-side neurorrhaphy in rats / A neurorrafia término-lateral abraçante em ratos

PURPOSE: Compare two new methods with the traditional end-to-side neurorrhaphy. METHODS: Rats were divided into four groups. In A-L group the peroneal nerve was sectioned and the distal stump was connected to the lateral of the tibial nerve (donor) with two 10-0 nylon points. In A-R group two perineurium flaps embraced the donor nerve. In the B-R group a suture embraced the donor nerve. Group B-L was the control. After six months tibial cranial muscle mass and morphometry of the distal stump of the peroneal nerve were evaluated. RESULTS: Muscle mass in groups A-R, A-L and B-R were lower than B-L group (p<0.0001) an equal between themselves (p>0.05). Groups A-R, B-R and A-L had a lower number of nerve fibers when compared with B-L (p=0.0155, p=0.016, p=0.0021). CONCLUSION: The three types of neurorrhaphy showed no differences related to muscle mass and number of nerve fibers suggesting that the embracing with a single suture has great potential due its simplicity and usefulness in deep areas.(AU)

OBJETIVO: Comparar dois novos métodos com o método tradicional da neurorrafia término-lateral. MÉTODOS: Os ratos foram separados em quatro grupos. No grupo A-E o nervo peroneal foi seccionado e o coto distal foi suturado à lateral do nervo tibial com dois pontos de nylon 10-0. No grupo A-D duas abas de epi-perineuro abraçaram o nervo doador. No grupo B-D foi realizada sutura com um único ponto abraçando o nervo doador. O grupo B-E foi o controle. Após seis meses foram observados massa do músculo tibial cranial e morfometria do coto distal do nervo peroneal. RESULTADOS: Foi encontrada menor massa muscular nos grupos A-D, A-E e B-D quando comparados com o grupo B-E (p<0.0001) e mesma massa quando comparados entre si (p>0,05). Os grupos A-D, A-E e B-D apresentaram menor número de fibras nervosas quando comparados ao grupo B-E (p=0,0155; p=0,016; p=0,0021) e mesmo número quando comparados entre si. CONCLUSÃO: Os três tipos de neurorrafia não apresentaram diferenças relacionadas à massa muscular e número de fibras nervosas sugerindo que a sutura abraçante com apenas um ponto apresente grande potencial em áreas cirúrgicas mais profundas.(AU)

Muscle reinnervation in one or two stages?: experimental study in rats with end-to-side nerve graft / Reinervação muscular em um ou dois estágios?: estudo experimental em ratos com enxerto de nervo término-lateral

PURPOSE: To compare muscle reinnervation in one and two surgical stages using end-to-side neurorrhaphy (ESN) without donor nerve injury. METHODS: The experiment was performed on four groups of 20 rats. Group 1 (G1), one stage, received the graft which was sutured to the tibial nerve, with ESN, and its free stump was sutured end-to-end to the distal stump of the sectioned peroneal nerve (PN), all in the same operation. In Group 2 (G2), two stages, the nerve graft was sutured to the tibial nerve, with ESN. Two months later the PN was sectioned and its distal stump connected to the distal stump of the graft as in G1. Normal control group (Gn) received the graft only sutured to the tibial nerve, with ESN. Denervated control group (Gd), as well received the graft and had the PN sectioned and its two stumps buried in adjacent musculature, with the aim of denervating the cranial tibial muscle (CTM), the target of this study. The parameters used to evaluate CTM reinnervation were muscle mass, muscle fiber's minimum diameter and area. RESULTS: The mean CTM mass, the average of the muscular fibers areas and the average of the muscular fiber minimum diameters was higher (all p<0.0001) in G2 than in G1. Comparing the four groups, these parameters had their maximum expression in Gn and the minimum in Gd, as expected. CONCLUSION: The two stages showed better muscle reinnervation than one stage.(AU)

OBJETIVO: Comparar a reinervação muscular com enxerto de nervo em um e dois tempos operatórios, utilizando a neurorrafia término-lateral (NTL) sem lesão do nervo doador. MÉTODOS: Vinte ratos foram distribuídos em quatro grupos. O grupo 1 (G1), um estágio, recebeu o enxerto que foi suturado ao nervo tibial (NT), por meio de NTL, e seu coto livre foi suturado por NTL ao coto distal do nervo peroneal (NP), seccionado a um centímetro do NT, na mesma cirurgia. O grupo 2 (G2), dois estágios, recebeu o enxerto de nervo na primeira cirurgia, como já descrito. Dois meses depois, na segunda cirurgia, o NP foi seccionado e seu coto distal ligado ao coto distal do enxerto como em G1. O grupo controle de normalidade (Gn) recebeu o enxerto da mesma forma, apenas. E o grupo controle de denervação (Gd), além de receber o enxerto, teve o NP seccionado e seus cotos sepultados na musculatura adjacente, com a finalidade de denervar o músculo tibial cranial (MTC), alvo deste estudo. Os parâmetros utilizados para avaliar a reinervação do MTC foram massa muscular, diâmetro mínimo da fibra muscular e área. RESULTADOS: O grupo G2 apresentou superioridade (p<0,0001) em relação ao G1 na massa do MTC, no diâmetro mínimo e na área das fibras musculares. Na comparação entre os quatro grupos, estes mesmos parâmetros tiveram sua expressão máxima em Gn e mínima em Gd, como era esperado. CONCLUSÃO: A reinervação muscular em dois estágios apresenta melhor resultado quando comparada à técnica em um tempo.(AU)

Neurorrafia do ramo bucal dorsal do nervo facial em coelhos com proteção de segmento intestinal alógeno / Neurorrhaphy of the dorsal buccal branch of facial nerve in rabbits with protection o f allograft intestinal segment

Foram utilizados 18 coelhos, Nova Zelândia, machos, adultos, para avaliação clínica e histológica do reparo do ramo bucal dorsal do nervo facial, decorridos 15, 30 e 60 dias de pós-operatório (PO). Os animais foram distribuídos em dois grupos para secção e aproximação epineural do ramo bucal com fio náilon monofilamentoso 10-0. Nos animais do grupo I, o nervo foi revestido com proteção de segmento de jejuno alógeno conservado em glicerina a 98% e o grupo II apenas aplicação de sutura epineural. Nos coelhos dos dois grupos ocorreu retorno da movimentação do lábio superior a partir da oitava semana.Verificou-se infiltrados celulares e células gigantes com fibrose desorganizada e fibras colágenas do envoltório alógeno entremeadas ao tecido conjuntivo. Aos 15 e 30 dias de PO, os cotos distais deambos os grupos encontravam-se com degeneração walleriana e aos 60 dias, com fibras regeneradas. A reparação do ramo bucal dorsal do nervo facial com o segmento intestinal não foi significativamente diferente nos coelhos do controle, quanto à avaliação de recuperação funcional e histológica.(AU)

18 rabbits, New Zealand, males, adults were used for clinical and histological evaluation of repair dorsal buccal branch of facial nerve after 15, 30 and 60 days postoperatively (PO). The animals were divided into two groups for transection and 10-0 nylon monofilament epineural suture of buccal branch. In animals in Group I, the nerve was coated with protection of jejunum allograft preserved in glycerin 98% and in group II was applied epineural suture. Both groups occurred the return of movement of the upper lip from the eighth week. There was infiltrated cellular and giant cells with fibrosis unsystematic and collagen fibers of the allograft jejunum joing to the connective tissue. At 15 and 30 days of PO, the distal nerve stumps of both groups were found with degeneration wallerian and in 60 days, regenerated fibers. The repair of the dorsal buccal branch offacial nerve with the allograft wasnt significantly different between the control rabbits as to the assessment of histological and functional recovery.(AU)

Comparação entre duas técnicas de neurorrafia do digital palmar em eqüinos / Comparative study of two techniques of digital palmar neurorrhaphy in horses

Foram comparadas duas técnicas de neurorrafia em seis eqüinos, divididos em três grupos (G), conforme o tempo para a biópsia. Os animais foram submetidos a neurectomia dos nervos digitais palmares (NDP) e aplicaram-se duas suturas epineurais (SE) e suturas com tubos de silicone (STS) em cada animal. Avaliaram-se os animais mensalmente pelo teste de sensibilidade e exame do aparelho locomotor até a realização das biópsias dos NDP. Aos 30 dias pós-cirurgia foi realizada biópsia no GI, aos 60 dias no GII e aos 180 dias no GIII. Macroscopicamente, o NDP encontrou-se envolvido por tecido conjuntivo fibroso. Microscopicamente, constataram-se proliferação axonal em uma amostra do GI e neuromas nas amostras dos GI, GII e GIII. Houve proliferação de tecido conjuntivo em todos os grupos no local de reparação para SE e adentrando no interior do tubo na STS. Visibilizaram-se infiltrado de células inflamatórias, alterações no coto proximal e degeneração no coto distal na SE e na STS. As técnicas não apresentaram resultados satisfatórios quanto ao grau de regeneração do coto proximal até o coto distal.(AU)

Two neurorrhaphy techniques were compared using six horses divided in three groups (G), based on the biopsy time. After neurectomy of the palmar digital nerves (DPN), two epineural sutures (ES) and two sutures with silicone tube (STS) were applied in each animal. All animals were evaluated monthly by sensitivity test and locomotor apparatus examination until collection of the suture sites by biopsy. Biopsy procedure was performed at 30 days post surgery in G1, 60 days in G2 and 180 days in G3. Grossly, the digital palmar nerve was involved by fibrous connective tissue. Microscopically, axonal growth in one sample from G1 and neuroma in samples from G1, G2 and G3 were observed. Proliferation of connective tissue occurred in all groups in repaired areas of ES and penetrated in the interior of STS tubes. Inflammatory cells, alterations of the proximal stump and degeneration of distal stump in ES and in STS were observed. Both techniques showed no satisfactory results regarding the degree of regeneration from proximal to distal stump.(AU)

Partial epineural burying of nerve grafts with different sizes next to or distant from neurorrhaphys site: histological and electrophysiological studies in rat sciatic nerves

The aim of the present study was to compare and correlate histologically and electromyographically the effects of partial epineural burying of sural nerve segments in sectioned and sutured rat sciatic nerves. Sixty adult male Wistar rats were operated on 3 groups: Group 1, sural nerve graft, 9mm long, placed next to neurorrhaphy; Group 2, sural nerve graft, 9mm long, buryied 10mm distant from neurorrhaphy; Group 3, sural nerve graft, 18mm long, set next to neurorrhaphy. The morphological features were examined at light microscope after 3 months in 45 rats. The elements observed were: vascularization, vacuoles in nerve fibers, mastocytes and inflammatory infiltrate. The morphometry was made after 6 months in 15 rats from Group 1, 2 and 3, measuring external nerve fiber diameters and counting myelinated nerve fibers/mm². The electrophysiological study was perfomed after 6 months, registering maximum amplitude and frequency of EMG pontentials, at rest, in extensor digitorum longus muscle. Group 3 rats presented sciatic nerves better conserved morphologically and mean external nerve fiber diameters greater than those from Groups 1 and 2. There were no significant differences in density of nerve fibers/mm², and in the electrophysiological study in rats from Group 1, 2 and 3. The epineural burying of sural nerve grafts with greater length and placed next to the neurorrhaphys site had a significantly better regeneration of the histological features than the smaller ones distant from neurorrhaphy.

O objetivo foi comparar e correlacionar, histológica e eletromiograficamente, os efeitos do sepultamento parcial de segmentos de nervo sural em nervos ciáticos de rato, seccionados e suturados. Sessenta ratos adultos, da linhagem Wistar, foram operados em três Grupos: Grupo 1 , um segmento de nervo sural com 9mm. de comprimento colocado próximo à neurorrafia; Grupo 2 , um segmento de nervo sural com 9mm. de comprimento sepultado 10mm. distante da neurorrafia ; Grupo 3, um enxerto de nervo sural com 18mm. de comprimento, posicionado próximo à neurorrafia. Os pormenores histológicos foram examinados sob microscopia de luz em 45 ratos, 3 meses depois. Os elementos observados foram : vascularização, vacúolos nas fibras nervosas, mastócitos e infiltrado inflamatório. A morfometria foi realizada, após 6 meses, em 15 ratos dos Grupos 1, 2 e 3, medindo-se os diâmetros externos e contando-se as fibras nervosas mielinizadas por mm². O estudo eletrofisiológico foi feito após 6 meses, registrando a amplitude máxima e a freqüência dos potenciais eletromiográficos no músculo extensor longo dos dedos, em repouso. Os ratos do Grupo 3 apresentaram-se morfologicamente melhor conservados e com diâmetros de fibras maiores do que nos Grupos 1 e 2. Não houve diferença na densidade de fibras/mm² e no estudo eletrofisiológico entre os ratos dos Grupos 1 , 2 e 3. O sepultamento epineural de segmentos de nervo sural com maior comprimento e colocados próximos à neurorrafia apresentaram pormenores morfológicos de regeneração significantemente melhores do que os menores e posicionados distantes da sutura do nervo.

The use of microsurgical technique in neuroohaphy of domestic animals. Experimental study of fascicular ulnar nerve repair in dogs / Utilização de técnica microcirúrgica na neurorrafia de animais domésticos. Estudo experimental na reparação fascicular no nervo ulnar de cão (Canis familiaris)

The purpose of this work was to obtain know-how in microsurgery in the suture of nerves in domestic animals. Eighteen, mongrel dogs were used. The ulnar nerve was experimentally sectioned at the elbow level. The technique of suture was the primary fascicular neurorrhaphy. A monofilament 9-0 nylon and an operating microscope in intermediate magnification were used. The follow-up was from 30 to 480 days. The functional recovery and the.histology of the nerves were studied. We may state that this technique is good for the recovery of the sensory and motor activity of the experimentally transected and immediately after sutured ulnar nerve. The training in basic microsurgicaI techniques, will certainly provide good results avoiding unnecessaries amputations.

O presente estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de obter subsídios necessários para a aplicação prática, em veterinária, de técnica microcirúrgica de neurorrafia nos animais domésticos com secções de nervos por traumatismos. Foram utilizadas 18 cães sem raça definida. Neles o nervo ulnar direito, após ser transeccionado experimentalmente, ao nível da articulação úmero-rádio-ulnar foi submetido à neurorrafia fascicular imediata, sendo utilizados aumentos ópticos de campo de 16 vezes e fio de sutura de nylon monofilamentado nº 9. O acompanhamento pós-operatório dos cães foi realizado por período que variou de 30 a 480 dias. Avaliou-se o estado clinico geral e a recuperação funcional sensitiva e motora - destes animais. Após a necropsia procedeu-se a exames macroscópico e histológico dos nervos submetidos à reparação cirúrgica. A análise dos resultados permitiu-nos concluir que: 1. a técnica possibilitou satisfatória recuperação sensitiva do território cutâneo bem como permitiu respostas motoras das estruturas inervadas pelo referido nervo; 2. histologicamente, os nervos ulnares apresentaram aspecto satisfatório e evidente regeneração de suas fibras; 3. a técnica, obedecida a metodologia empregada, é exequível nos animais domésticos que sofram secção de nervos por traumatismos, possibilitando a reabilitação funcional dos mesmos e, evitando-se, pôr vezes, o recurso extremo da am