Effects of platelet-rich plasma on nerve regeneration in a rat model

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether platelet-rich plasma has a regenerative effect on a sciatic nerve injury model in rats. Methods: A sciatic nerve cut model was created in 24 nerves of 12 rats. All nerves were repaired with epineural sutures by the same surgeon. Rats were randomly divided into two groups; platelet-rich plasma was applied to the injury site in the platelet-rich plasma group and saline only to the same area in the control group. Motor and electromyographic assessments were performed at the end of 12th postoperative week and all rats were euthanized for histological specimens. Results: Motor recovery was significantly better in the platelet-rich plasma group than the control group. The differences in electromyographic and histomorphometric findings between the groups were significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: Our experimental study demonstrated positive effects of platelet-rich plasma on nerve regeneration.