Objective    To investigate the anatomical repairing effect of self-made bridging complex of olfactory ensheathing cells

   schwann cells

extracellular matrix and poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (OEC-SC-ECM-PLGA) on the defect of sciatic nerve of rats.     Methods    The 15-mm SD rat right sciatic nerve defect model was established and repaired with OEC-SC-ECM- PLGA bridging complex

which contained OEC

SC

ECM

and self-made PLGA conduit. At the same time

OEC-ECM-PLGA group

SC-ECM-PLGA group

ECM- PLGA group

PLGA group

and nerve autograft group were set up as the controls. At 1

3

5 and 9 weeks after surgery

the cell tracking test was performed in these groups. The nerve connective rate

relative diameter recovery rate and ultrastructure observation were performed in all groups in 9 weeks after surgery.     Results    OEC and SC survived at least 6 weeks in the bridging complex

and SC had higher survival rate than OEC

both cell types distributed longitudinally along the nerve and demonstrated spindle morphous

migrated at least 2.5 mm toward proximal and distal ends of bridging complex in rat sciatic nerve defect. Compared to OEC-ECM-PLGA group

SC-ECM-PLGA group

ECM-PLGA group and PLGA group

OEC-SC-ECM-PLGA group showed better results in nerve connective rate

relative diameter recovery rate

the fiber density

the total nerve fiber number and maturity of myelinated nerve fiber

but all of these were not as well as in nerve autograft group.     Conclusion    OEC-SC-ECM-PLGA bridging complex has significantly anatomical repairing effect on sciatic nerve defect in rats.