A new composite midface allotransplantation model with sensory and motor reinnervation

In this study, we extended application of face transplantation model in rat by incorporation of vascularized premaxilla, and nose with infraorbital and facial nerves for evaluation of allotransplanted sensory and motor nerve functional recovery. In group I (n = 3) the dissection technique is studied. In group II (n = 5) isotransplantations were performed. In group III (n = 5) allotransplantations were performed under Cyclosporin A monotherapy. Grafts; composed of nose, lower lip, and premaxilla; were dissected. Infraorbital nerve and facial nerve were included into the transplant. A heterotopic transplantation was performed to inguinal region of recipient. Nerve coaptations were performed between infraorbital-sapheneous nerve and facial-femoral nerve. CT scan, somatosensory-evoked potential testing (SSEP), motor-evoked potential testing (MEP), and microangiography were used for evaluation. All transplants survived indefinitely over 100 days. Microangiography showed preserved vascularization of the graft. Computed tomography revealed vital premaxillary bone segments. SSEP and MEP confirmed recovery of motor and sensory functions and latencies reached 67% of normal infraorbital nerve value and 70% of normal facial nerve value at 100 days post-transplant. We have introduced new midface transplant model of composite midface allograft with sensory and motor units. In this model, motor and sensory functional recovery was confirmed at 100 days post-transplant.