Abstract

This manuscript reviews studies relating to peripheral nerve allografts, neuroregenerative agents and end-to-side neurorrhaphy. With respect to peripheral nerve allografts, animal studies with the agents cyclosporin A, FK506 and rapamycin are reviewed and related to recent clinical experience. FK506 distinguishes itself as an agent capable of reversing acute rejection of a peripheral nerve allograft and an agent with some neuroregenerative properties. In addition to systemic immunosuppression, experience with agents purported to initiate a state of donor specific tolerance are discussed. Specifically, experimental studies with administration of ultraviolet B treated donor splenocytes, antibodies to cellular adhesion molecules and antibodies to components of the costimulatory pathway of immunosuppression are reviewed. The neuroregenerative properties of FK506 and related compounds are examined in animal models. Finally, the experimental finding that reinnervation following end-to-side neurorrhaphy is mostly sensory and related to the degree of axonal damage at the level of an epineurotomy or perineurotomy is discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)124-138
Number of pages15
JournalNeurological Research
Volume26
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1 2004

Keywords

  • Anti-CD4OL
  • Cyclosporin A
  • End-to-side neurorrhaphy
  • FK506
  • Peripheral nerve allograft
  • Rapamycin
  • Tolerance

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