Abstract
Quantitative approaches for the evaluation of functional outcome are required in order to develop strategies to improve the regeneration of peripheral nerves. Most of these studies use rats as animal experimental model, as they are inexpensive and easy to work with. In such studies, regeneration can be assessed by numerous methods, including histomorphometry, electrophysiology and gait analysis. Because the sciatic nerve represents the most used one in experimental approaches, testing procedures for the assessment of its function after injuries have been developed. To evaluate the degree of functional loss, a footprint analysis method has been introduced and modified over subsequent years. The method uses indices of hind limb performance showing high degree of correlation with functional recovery. Data support a characterization of the sciatic nerve crush injury that will allow the study of peripheral nerve regeneration in the presence of neuroprotective agents in posttraumatic nerve repair.

Keywords
rat sciatic nerve, functional nerve recovery, walking track analysis, gait analysis, nerve morphometry

Cite this paper
Kollarou Anna, Methods and techniques to evaluate sciatic nerve recovery in rats , SCIREA Journal of Biology. Volume 1, Issue 2, December 2016 | PP. 66-78.

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