Tiam Mana Saffari

64 CHAPTER 3 an important interaction between Schwann cells and blood vessels 34,37 . Schwann cells are known to produce neurotrophic factors to support neurite outgrowth 38 . After nerve injury, these cells and their secreted neuro-supportive factors enhance axonal growth 39 . Although comparison of nerve allograft in a well vascularized bed to the contralateral unoperated nerve is not an adequate comparison of nerve tissue, the increase of vessels and Schwann cell nuclei in the nerve allografts confirm the relationship between blood supply and nerve regeneration and suggest that addition of a well vascularized bed to the nerve area may enhance nerve regeneration. This study describes a pedicled adipofascial flap model in rats and validates its use in future investigations in the rat sciatic nerve model. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated a total success rate of SIEF flap viability without necrosis at 12 and 16 weeks, providing evidence that this flap is durable and can be used for future studies in a rat model. We recommend this simple technique to add vascularization to various tissues in the lower abdomen, genital area, thigh and upper limb of the rat. Acknowledgments Artwork of Figure 1-5 was created by Jim Postier, Rochester, MN. Disclosure statement No competing financial interests exist.