The Bridging Effect of Controlled-Release Glial Cell-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Microcapsules within Nerve Conduits on Rat Facial Nerve Regeneration

Figure 1

The general morphology of the bridging spot of the facial nerve trunk (9 weeks after surgery). (a) Normal facial nerve (uncut). In all three experimental groups, the regenerated nerve had already connected to the end of the nerve cut. A: the bridging spot of the facial nerve; (b) the nerve conduit filled with water; (c) the nerve conduit filled with GDNF solution; (d) the nerve conduit filled with GDNF microcapsules.

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