All surgical procedures were performed aseptically using an operating microscope. Animals were anesthetized by subcutaneous administration of a mixture of 75 mg/kg ketamine hydrochloride (Fort Dodge Animal Health, Fort Dodge, IA) and 0.5 mg/kg dexmedetomidine hydrochloride (Orion Corporation, Espoo, Finland). Rats underwent a gluteal muscle splitting incision to expose the sciatic nerve and its trifurcation. Donor nerves were harvested as described previously,3 (link) where nerves for ANAs were transferred to aseptic tubes to undergo detergent processing as previously described,3 (link),15 (link),16 (link) while the others were immediately used as fresh nerve isografts. Donor animals were then euthanized. Isografts and ANAs were grafted using previously published methods.3 (link) In all recipient animals, muscle and skin were re-approximated, anesthesia was reversed, and the animals were recovered on a warming pad and monitored for postoperative complications. Postoperative pain was managed using buprenorphine (0.05 mg/kg) every 8 to 12 hours as needed.