Figure 5

Histological and morphometric evaluation of the regenerated nerve. (A) (a–d) Semi-thin transverse sections (toluidine blue staining) under light microscopy. (e, f) Ultra-thin transverse sections under transmission electron microscopy. The mid-portion of the Bio 3D group exhibited an obviously larger cross-sectional area than the silicone group did. The regenerated nerve of the Bio 3D group also exhibited many well myelinated axons. Scale bars: (a, b) 1,000 μm, (c, d) 50 μm, (e, f) 2 μm. (B) The Bio 3D group showed greater myelinated axon number, larger axon diameter, and thicker myelin formation. The G ratio of the Bio 3D group was smaller than that of the silicone group. All data showed significant differences between the two groups (P < 0.01).