Schwann cells, acutely dissociated from a predegenerated nerve trunk, can be applied into a matrix used to bridge nerve defects in rats
BACKGROUND: The gold standard to reconstruct a nerve defect is a conventional autologous nerve graft. There may be a lack of such grafts in severe nerve injuries. Alternatives to autologous nerve grafts are needed. METHODS: We have developed a technique where mainly Schwann cells are acutely dissociated from the ends of the severed nerve trunk after nerve injury. The technique does not require lon
