[Immunological reactions against preserved tracheal transplants? Studies on inbred rat strains]

To determine whether chemical (cialit, merthiolate, alcohol, formaldehyde solution) preserved tracheal segments maintain immunogenicity we performed systematic transplantation-immunological investigations using in vivo-, in vitro- and immunohistological tests. In contrast to other authors no indication of residual antigenicity was found. The survival rates after orthotopic grafting of preserved tracheal segments were shortened. This seems due to the loss of the mucociliary clearance, caused by chemical induced damages in the tracheal mucosa.