Assessment of neurogenic potential of autologous bone marrow derived mononucleated cells with and without TGF-1 in rabbits

Thirty six New Zealand white rabbits used in this study were divided randomly into groups A, B and C. Animals were subjected to sciatic nerve injury by crushing the nerve with the help of haemostat forceps. The animals of group A were kept as control. Immediately after creation of nerve injury Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium, bone marrow derived mononucleated cells (BMNCs) (2.42±0.11x10⁶) and BMNCs along with TGF-β1 (50 ng/30 μl) were implanted at the injured site in groups A, B and C, respectively. Histopathological observations revealed excellent nerve and muscle healing in the animals of group C followed by groups B and A. Electron microscopic observations also revealed better nerve healing in the animals of group C followed by groups B and A. It was concluded that implantation of BMNCs enhanced nerve healing of the crushed sciatic nerve. Transforming growth factor-β1 further augmented nerve healing induced by BMNCs.