Anastomosis of the superficial radial nerve, the dorsal cutaneous branch
of the ulnar nerve, or both to the distal cut end of a widely resected
median nerve in monkeys was followed by successful sensory reinnervation of
the thumb, index finger, and long finger within thiry-five to forty weeks.
Success was ascertained by the presence of an intact anastomosis as
observed grossly without any evidence of spontaneous regeneration of the
median nerve. Reinnervation was confirmed by histological and histochemical
reactions observed in the Meissner's corpuscles in the skin innervated by
the median nerve. The demonstration of nerve fiber and the presence of
normal specific and non-specific cholinesterase reactions exhibited by the
Meissner's corpuscles in the cholinesterase preparations were considered
the histological criteria for successful reinnervation. These histological
and histochemical observations may explain the reported functional sensory
recovery in clinical cases when similar nerve transfers were done.