Mouse Sciatic Nerve Transection/Resuture Procedure for Studying Nerve Repair and Functional Recovery

Nerve repair is crucial for restoring function following axonal injury. However, mature neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) have a limited ability to regenerate their axons after injury due to diminished intrinsic growth capacity and a hostile environment. In contrast, neurons in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) exhibit robust regenerative potential. Among them, adult dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons are particularly well-known for their ability to regenerate effectively following peripheral nerve injuries, making them an ideal model for studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying nerve repair. Here, a modified microsuture technique, termed "loop-before-transection," is described for generating a sciatic nerve transection and resuture model in mice, followed by analysis of axon regeneration. Behavioral assessments and muscle reinnervation are also demonstrated to evaluate functional recovery. After sciatic nerve transection and resuture, animals initially exhibit behavioral deficits, but full recovery is typically observed by 30 days post-injury. Applying drugs that promote axonal fusion at the injury site significantly accelerates functional recovery. This model system offers a powerful tool for investigating the mechanisms governing mammalian nerve repair in vivo.