Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of microencapsules cells transfected with nerve growth factor (NGF) gene to the sciatic nerve regeneration following sciatic nerve injury in rats.MethodsMicroencapsules containing cells transfected with NGF gene were prepared using drop generative technique and cells were cultured in vitro. Animal model of sciatic nerve cut and sutured was established with Sprague-Dawely rats, and ninety-six animals were randomly divided into group A (in vivo implantation of microencapsules cells transfected with NGF gene), group B (in vivo implantation of microencapsule), group C (in vivo implantation of cells transfected with NGF gene), and group D (negative control group). The nerve conductive velocity (NCV), nerve action potential (NAP), sciatic nerve function index (SFI) were detected in the 4th, 8th and 12th week postimplantation.ResultsThe microencapsules cells transfected with NGF gene in microencapsules retained reliable cell viability and function. The expanded cells formed cell aggregates, with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), exhibited green fluorescence material in the cell. The NGF concentration in supernatant were arriving at 269 pg/ml when cultured for 10 days. The results of NCV, NAP and SFI tests in group A were higher than those in the other groups (P<0.05).ConclusionAfter implantation, microencapsules cells transfected with NGF gene may secrete NGF continuously in vivo, and has significant improvement effect on nerve regeneration following sciatic nerve injury.

Key words: microencapsule, transfection, cell transplantation, peripheral nerve injury