In vitro and in vivo effects of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 on seeded Schwann cells within poly(DL-lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) conduits for peripheral nerve regeneration

This study investigated the effects of Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761) extract on seeded Schwann cells within poly(DL-lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) conduits by in vitro and in vivo trials for peripheral nerve regeneration. The seeding efficiency of Schwann cells in serum-deprived culture medium, which simulated the environment of mechanical trauma on an injured nerve site, was improved by adding different dosages of EGb 761 (0, 1, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 μg/mL). The analytical results showed enhanced cell attachment and survival, reduced LDH release and increased MTT values, particularly in the range 10-100 μg/mL. The PLGA nerve conduits seeded with Schwann cells (6 × 103 cells) and filled with gelatin containing EGb 761 (0, 10, 50, 100 μg/mL) were implanted to 10-mm right sciatic nerve defects in rats. Autograft was performed as another control. Electromyography was assessed based on the motor unit action potential (MUAP) and fibrillation potential (Fib) at 2, 4, and 6 weeks during all periods. The specimens of the experimental and control groups were harvested for histological analysis at 6 weeks after surgery. The Fib was found to gradually decay, and the MUAP was found not to be present until 4 weeks after surgery. Meanwhile, the experimental groups were all statically better than the control group (without EGb 761) and autografts were observed at 6 weeks, especially at the concentration of 10 μg/mL, where there was higher amplitude of MUAP and a significantly larger number of myelinated axons. This study concluded that a proper concentration of EGb 761 (10-50 μg/mL) promoted seeding efficiency of Schwann cells in a tissue-engineered PLGA conduit. Addition of EGb 761 in Schwann cells-seeded conduit could increase the total number of myelinated axons in nerve regeneration and improve peripheral nerve functional recovery.