Misdirection of axonal outgrowth of nerve fibers after nerve injury and repair/reconstruction

Peripheral nerve injuries are common and lead to life-long disability for affected individuals in spite of surgical treatments. Yet an unsolved clinical problem is misdirected axonal outgrowth with lack of sufficient functional reconnections. New insights in cellular structure and mechanisms of nerve regeneration are needed, which leads to new prospects for intervention. We focus on repair and reconstruction of injured nerves to investigate interaction between spatial outgrowth of axons and its environment, particularly presence and formation of blood vessels. We assemble experimental rat models, including a diabetic rat model, in which nerves are repaired and reconstructed using novel strategies, such as application of silk threads between severed nerve ends. The peripheral nerves will be investigated using applied synchrotron imaging and quantitative image analysis. The gained insights will eventually lead to improved treatment strategies and quality of life for patients.