Use of Synthetic Nerve Grafts to Restore Cavernous Nerve Function Following Prostate Cancer Surgery: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies
Abstract
The hypothesis of this proposal is that interposition of micropatterned biodegradable polymer based nerve grafts to replace resected or damaged cavernous nerves can facilitate return of erectile function by engendering directional nerve growth in an animal model. Micropatterned grafts have been produced using a biodegradable polymer (PDFA). The groove characteristics obtained by micropatterning will be optimized to allow maximal directional neurite growth have been optimized. The effect of laminin +1- polylysine, Schwann cell and neuronal stem cells on neurite growth are being investigated. Tubulized sheets of the polymer with and without these factors/cells- have been used to microsurgically replace resected cavemous nerve in male Sprague-Dawlay rats. Control groups consisting of ungrafted animals as well as those grafted with native genitofemoral nerve have been generated. After an interval of 2 months, we have attempted to observed the restoration of physiologic function of the cavernous nerve by electrical stimulation of the nerve and/or pelvic ganglion. We are in the process of analyzing the tissue sections of the grafts that have been harvested to look for nNos expression and fluorogold staining which would indicate reestablishment of nerve integrity since that would be required to allow travel of fluorogold injected into the penile tissue to the pelvic ganglion.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA446904
Entities
People
- Badrinath R. Konety
Organizations
- University of Iowa