Abstract: ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) and collagen tubes in the repair of facial nerve in rabbits.MethodsThe facial nerves of rabbits were transected and removed for 5 mm. The nerve ends were then repaired with an e-PTFE or collagen tube, and with an autologous nerve graft as control. After 7 days, 1 month and 3 months, the animals' neural conductive velocity were determined. And then, the nerve specimens were taken out, and the myelinated fibers across the specimen were counted with histological examination.ResultsOn the 7th day, no neural regeneration was observed. But new forming neural fibers across the biocompatible materials and autologous nerve grafts were seen in the following 3 months, while the number and conductive velocity of myelinated fibers varied significantly at the different time points.Conclusione-PTFE and collagen conduits are effective in the repair of peripheral nerves.

Key words: facial nerve, neural regeneration, tissue engineering, rabbit