Modified uterine transplant procedure in the sheep model

Area of Science:

• Reproductive medicine
• Surgical innovation
• Transplantation science

Background:

• Uterine transplantation is a complex procedure with limited research in animal models.
• Developing a reliable surgical technique is crucial for advancing uterine transplantation for infertility treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a modified uterine transplant procedure in a sheep model.
• To assess the feasibility of uterine allotransplantation in ewes for potential human application.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving uterine allotransplantation in 10 sheep using a modified surgical technique and Mobius retractor.
• Vascular reanastomosis of uterine arteries and veins, followed by assessment of reperfusion and tissue viability.
• Immunosuppression with cyclosporine to manage tissue rejection.

Main Results:

• Successful uterine reperfusion within 30 seconds post-reanastomosis in all 10 sheep.
• Viable uterine tissue and vascular patency observed in 60% (6/10) of sheep at 6 months post-transplant.
• Histological evidence of neovascularization and healthy endometrial tissue at the anastomosis site.

Conclusions:

• A modified uterine transplant procedure in sheep has been successfully developed and demonstrated.
• The ewe serves as a suitable animal model for uterine transplant research.
• Future research aims to achieve pregnancy following uterine allotransplantation in this model.