The motor nerve to the masseter muscle: an anatomic and histomorphometric study to facilitate its use in facial reanimation.

Introduction: The motor nerve to the masseter muscle is increasingly being used for facial reanimation procedures. However, many surgeons have been reluctant to use this versatile source of axons because of difficulty in locating it intraoperatively. In this study we conducted a detailed assessment of its gross and microscopic anatomy and develop a simple, reliable method for locating this nerve.

Matching of motor-sensory modality in the rodent femoral nerve model shows no enhanced effect on peripheral nerve regeneration.

The treatment of peripheral nerve injuries with nerve gaps largely consists of autologous nerve grafting utilizing sensory nerve donors. Underlying this clinical practice is the assumption that sensory autografts provide a suitable substrate for motoneuron regeneration, thereby facilitating motor endplate reinnervation and functional recovery. This study examined the role of nerve graft modality on axonal regeneration, comparing motor nerve regeneration through motor, sensory, and mixed nerve isografts in the Lewis rat.

Retrograde labeling in peripheral nerve research: it is not all black and white.

Retrograde labeling has become an important method of evaluation for peripheral nerve regeneration after injury. We review the features of the commonly used retrograde tracers Fast Blue, Fluoro-Gold, and Fluoro Ruby in addition to the various application methods (conduit reservoir, intramuscular injection, and crystal powder application) and the techniques used to count stained neurons. Upon application of the staining techniques and dyes in a rat and mouse nerve injury model, Fluoro-Gold was found to stain the greatest number of neurons with all application methods.

Regeneration through nerve isografts is independent of nerve geometry.

Investigators have theorized that tortuosity in nerve grafts may adversely affect nerve regeneration. This study investigated the effect of graft configuration and redundancy on regeneration across 2.5-cm rat sciatic nerve isografts.

Delayed nerve repair is associated with diminished neuroenhancement by FK506.

Objectives/hypothesis: The immunosuppressive agent FK506 has been shown in many studies to enhance nerve regeneration and to accelerate functional recovery after immediate nerve repair. However, in clinical practice the diagnosis and treatment of patients with peripheral nerve injuries is often delayed. The study investigated whether FK506 would retain its neuroregenerative properties when nerve repair and initiation of FK506 therapy were delayed for 7 days.