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 language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 2420-2427 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Laryngoscope |
Volume | 130 |
Issue number | 10 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 01-10-2020 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Otorhinolaryngology