Abstract
The percentage of axons from different types of neurons regenerating through the site of repair was assessed by retrograde horseradish peroxidase labelling in 30 male SD rats. These rats were randomly divided into groups and underwent epineurial, perineurial suturing and 4 mm nerve graft for transected peroneal nerves in lower limbs on one side. The contralateral nerves were not injured and served as controls. The number of labelled neurons in the experimental side divided by those in the control gave a percentage of regeneration. Four to 9 weeks after nerve repair, axonal regeneration through the repair site was assessed by number, location and diameter. Results revealed that the percentage of motor axons crossing the nerve repair site was the same as the sensory axons. The percentage of neurons with axons innervating muscle spindles was statistically lower that those innervating the other end organs. Perineurial repair produced a higher percentage of motor axons across the repair than epineurial repair or nerve graft.
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