Peripheral nerve regeneration: A study of surgical and biological techniques to enhance functional regeneration

• Author / Creator

  Ladak, Adil

• Unlike the central nervous system, axonal regeneration does occur in the peripheral nervous system, however, despite this, functional recovery from nerve transection injury remains dismal. This has been attributed to factors intrinsic to the motor or sensory cell body and to elements in the local site of injury including nerve gaps, scar and a limited time frame in which supportive growth factors and extracellular matrix molecules are expressed. The aim of this thesis is to review the mechanisms behind axonal damage and regeneration in the peripheral nervous system and investigate surgical, pharmacological and biological approaches to overcome limitations in regeneration and functional recovery. By taking a broad approach to the topic, I hoped to gain a greater understanding of the inhibitory and regenerative processes at play and provide a contribution to the understanding in the field of peripheral nerve surgery.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Regeneration
  • Stem cells
  • Peripheral nerve

• Graduation date

  Fall 2009

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3QH3P

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.