Tiam Mana Saffari

120 CHAPTER 6 Immunohistochemistry The in situ inter-relationship between nerve tissues and blood vessels in the nerve graft tissue was assessed. Immunohistochemical signals were depicted using antibodies against PGP 9.5, S100, identifying neural tissue, and CD34 for staining blood vessels (Figure 5A). Established qualitative assessment showed a consistent distribution for PGP 9.5 and S100 throughout the nerve tissue in all groups at 12 and 16 weeks (Figure 5B). CD34 showed differences in expression between groups and time points. Allograft nerve tissue wrapped with the SIEF flap showed highest expression of CD34 at both time points. At 12 weeks, CD34 was occasionally present in allograft nerve tissue, while higher expressed in autograft and control nerve. At 16 weeks, CD34 expression had increased slightly in allografts, but still lowest expression compared to other groups. Representative mid-distal graft nerve sections of the four groups including non-operated control and Haemotoxylin and Eosin (H&E) marker at 12 weeks are depicted in Figure 5A. Collectively, these studies suggest that wrapping with the SIEF flap enhances vascularization in nerve graft tissue.