[Technique and results of lung transplantation in rats]

Lung transplantation has recently emerged as an efficient therapy for a variety of endstage pulmonary diseases. Nevertheless, many problems remain unsolved. A simple and reproducible experimental model allows examination of some of the problems encountered. We report here our experience of lung transplantation in the rat. One hundred and thirty six lung transplantations have been performed. After the initial phase necessary to master the technique, an overall survival rate of 86% was achieved. Graft function, as assessed by chest X-rays and lung isotope scans, was satisfactory up to 4 months after transplantation. Lung transplantation in the rat is a reliable and reproductible experimental model allowing the development of research projects in this field.