Event Title

Characterization of Peripheral Neurovascular Capillary Structure

Presenter Information

Adam W. Sudbeck, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Michael W. Witthaus, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Location

CSU Ballroom

Start Date

21-4-2008 1:00 PM

End Date

21-4-2008 3:00 PM

Student's Major

Biological Sciences

Student's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Mentor's Name

Michael Bentley

Mentor's Department

Biological Sciences

Mentor's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Description

Neurovasculature is critical to the peripheral nerve survival. Neurovascular development is well characterized, but little is known about the architecture of the microvasculature and capillary beds of peripheral nerves. Peripheral nerves from the lower extremities were attained from Wistar Kyoto rats and fixed by glutaraldehyde infusion into the vasculature. The vasculature was subsequently filled with PU4ii polyurethane-based resin to create a three-dimensional cast of the vasculature. The nerves were dissected after the resin completely polymerized. The nerves were placed in concentrated potassium hydroxide and progressively monitored via light microscopy. The nerves were stained with osmium, critical point dried, sputter coated with gold palladium and analyzed via scanning electron microscopy. Partially digested and completely digested specimens were analyzed. The methodology is relatively novel for examining high resolution lower extremity neurovasculature of the mammal model and may provide information related to regenerative medicine and reconstructive surgery.