Electron microscopic observation of the denervated flap reinnervation after implantation of sensory nerve
Li, X.Y.; Li, H.Y.; Chen, S.Z.
Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi 74(10): 624
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0376-2491 PMID: 7842342 Document Number: 433386
Flap reinnervation was studied by electron microscopy in the rabbit cervico-shoulder flap with great auricular nerve implanted. After transferring the flap to the dorsal defect of the rabbit's ear and division of its pedicle, the original nerve fibers of the flap underwent a degenerative process which would persist over 2 months. The great auricular nerve implanted into the flap regenerated axons by entering into old endoneurial rube of the flap and sprouting. The development process of the regenerating nerves showed that the unmyelinated fibers appeared first in the 2nd month, and the myelinated ones in the 4th month. The regenerating nerve fibers had often accompanied by blood vessels.