Role of Platelet Rich Plasma in Sciatic Autogenous Nerve Grafts regeneration in Male Albino Rats; Experimental Study

Background: There have been attempts to promote vascularization surrounding the nerve and boost SC activation and proliferation since peripheral nerve injuries frequently result in poor functional recovery. Rich in growth factors, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has demonstrated promise in fostering neuron regeneration and tissue repair. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of local administration of PRP on nerve grafts regeneration. Methods: In this experimental study, Twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats (250–350g) were used. Six rats served as PRP donors, while the remaining 14 underwent sciatic nerve grafting, with nerve segments measuring approximately 1cm. Nerve repair was performed using 9/0 polypropylene sutures under a surgical microscope. In the grafted rats, PRP was locally applied to the repair site on the right side, while the left side underwent standard repair without PRP, allowing for comparative analysis of regenerative outcomes. Results: Proximal nerve fiber counts (right: 215.7±68.6; left: 182.8±63.7) showed no significant difference (p=0.201), suggesting PRP’s limited proximal impact. Conversely, distal counts on the PRP-treated right side (192.8±58.8) were significantly higher than the left (133.7±49.6; p=0.008), highlighting PRP’s distal efficacy. On the right, proximal-to-distal fiber density decreased slightly (215.7vs. 192.8; p=0.353), indicating consistent regeneration. In contrast, the left side exhibited a significant proximal-to-distal decline (182.8vs. 133.7; p=0.031). Right graft site counts (right:172±43.07) (left:129.14±33.38) p value: 0.0076. underscoring PRP’s role in maintaining axonal growth. Conclusion: Platelet-rich plasma significantly enhances peripheral nerve regeneration, particularly at the distal graft segment, as evidenced by higher nerve fiber counts, whereas no substantial difference was observed proximally.