Objective: To develop a large animal model for studies of laryngeal abductor reinnervation.
Material and methods: Six minipigs underwent unilateral anastomosis of the phrenic nerve-abductor branch of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN). Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) conduits were used for repair. At each of 30, 60 and 120 days, 2 animals underwent video laryngeal endoscopy (VLE) and were then killed. VLE was also performed in the 120-day pair at 60 days. Nerve-conduit-nerve-muscle samples were fixed for light and immunofluorescence (pan-neurofilaments, S-100) microscopy. Laryngeal muscles were harvested (myosin heavy chain analysis).
Results: VLE showed recovery of abductor function in 1 animal at 60 days and in 1 at 120 days. Haematoxylin-eosin staining demonstrated a complex inflammatory response. Eosinophil recruitment was observed. Stepwise regeneration and reorganization of the distal nerve between 30 and 120 days was observed with pan-NF staining. The mean minimum diameter in the reinnervated posterior crico-arytenoids tended to increase for up to 120 days.
Conclusions: Anastomosis of the phrenic nerve-abductor branch of the RLN with a PHB conduit in a pig can result in functional and histological recovery within 2-4 months and appears to at least sustain abductor muscle fibre morphology. Recovery occurs despite a complex inflammatory response, which may be an essential part of healing rather than inhibitory.