Expression of basal lamina components by Schwann cells cultured on poly(lactic acid) (PLLA) and poly(caprolactone) (PCL) membranes

• Published in: Journal of materials science. Materials in medicine Vol. 20; no. 2; pp. 489 - 495
• Main Authors: Pierucci, A., Duek, E. A. R., de Oliveira, A. L. R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Boston Springer US 01-02-2009; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Basement Membrane - metabolism; Biocompatible Materials - chemistry; Biomaterials; Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering; Biomedical materials; Brain-derived neurotrophic factor; Cell culture; Cell Culture Techniques - methods; Cells, Cultured; Ceramics; Chemistry and Materials Science; Composites; Extracellular Matrix Proteins - metabolism; Gene Expression - physiology; Glass; Lactic Acid - chemistry; Materials Science; Materials Testing; Membranes; Natural Materials; Polyesters - chemistry; Polymer Sciences; Polymers; Polymers - chemistry; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Regenerative Medicine/Tissue Engineering; Schwann Cells - cytology; Schwann Cells - metabolism; Surfaces and Interfaces; Thin Films; Caprolactone; Laminin; Peripheral Nerve Lesion; PLLA; Schwann Cell
• ISSN: 0957-4530; 1573-4838
• DOI: 10.1007/s10856-008-3614-z

The present in vitro study investigated the expression of basal lamina components by Schwann cells (SCs) cultivated on PCL and PLLA membranes prepared by solvent evaporation. Cultures of SCs were obtained from sciatic nerves from neonatal Sprague Dawley rats and seeded on 24 well culture plates containing the polymer membranes. The purity of the cultures was evaluated with a Schwann cell marker antibody (anti-S-100). After one week, the cultures were fixed and processed for immunocytochemistry by using antibodies against type IV collagen, laminin I and II. Positive labeling against the studied molecules was observed, indicating that such biomaterials positively stimulate Schwann cell adhesion and proliferation. Overall, the present results provide evidence that membrane-derived biodegradable polymers, particularly those derived from PLLA, are able to provide adequate substrate and stimulate SCs to produce ECM molecules, what may have in turn positive effects in vivo, influencing the peripheral nerve regeneration process.