Recurrent laryngeal nerve regeneration using a self-assembling peptide hydrogel

Masayoshi Yoshimatsu, Ryosuke Nakamura, Yo Kishimoto, Hirofumi Yurie, Yasuyuki Hayashi, Shinji Kaba, Hiroe Ohnishi, Masaru Yamashita, Ichiro Tateya, Koichi Omori

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objectives/Hypothesis: To regenerate defected recurrent laryngeal nerves (RLNs), various methods have been developed. However, no consistently effective treatments are currently available because of their insufficient functional recovery. RADA16-I, a self-assembling peptide used clinically as a hemostat, reportedly supports neurite outgrowth and functional synapse formation in vitro. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of RADA16-I hydrogels on transected RLNs in rats. Study Design: Animal experiments with controls. Methods: Fifteen adult rats were divided into the following three groups: RADA16-I (+), RADA16-I (−), and neurectomy. A 6-mm gap of the left RLN was bridged using an 8-mm silicone tube in the RADA16-I (−) and RADA16-I (+) groups. Subsequently, RADA16-I hydrogel was injected into the tube in the RADA16-I (+) group. The surgical incisions were closed without any further treatment in the neurectomy group. After 8 weeks, laryngoscopy and electrophysiological and histological examinations were performed to evaluate the effect of RADA16-I on nerve regeneration and thyroarytenoid muscle atrophy. Results: Although most rats in the three groups exhibited no improvements of their vocal fold movement, partial recovery was observed in one rat in the RADA16-I (+) group. The neurofilament-positive areas and the number of myelinated nerves in the RADA16-I (+) group were significantly higher than in the RADA16-I (−) group. The area of the left thyroarytenoid muscle in the RADA16-I (+) group was significantly larger than that of the neurectomy group. Conclusions: Our results suggested that RADA16-I hydrogel was effective for RLN regeneration. Level of Evidence: NA Laryngoscope, 130:2420–2427, 2020.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2420-2427
Number of pages8
JournalLaryngoscope
Volume130
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01-10-2020

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Otorhinolaryngology

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