Tiam Mana Saffari

118 CHAPTER 6 Immunotrophic gene expression Relative expression of immunotrophic genes was examined to assess the local inflammatory environment (Figure 3). Expression of Cd4 was significantly highest in allograft (0.913±0.058) compared to autograft (0.152±0.004, P<0.001) and SIEF (0.585±0.096, P<0.05). Cd8 expression was highest in SIEF samples (0.243±0.035), compared to autograft (0.069±0.010, P<0.001) and allograft (0.069±0.004, P<0.001). Expression values for Tnf revealed very low expression profiles in all three graft groups, with significantly highest expression in SIEF samples (P<0.05). These results indicate that distinct subtypes of T cells may be active near the grafts during nerve tissue repair. Figure 3. Gene expression profiles of immunotrophic markers including Cd4, Cd8 and Tnf. Gene expression profiles from autograft, allograft and allograft wrapped around with a superficial inferior epigastric artery fascial (SIEF) flap. Gene expression was normalized to Actb. *Indicates significance at P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001.