A novel method for follow-up studies of the microcirculation in non-malignant tissue implants

Specimens of syngeneic spleen, myocardium, and spongious bone as well as lyophilized dura were implanted into a dorsal skinfold chamber of hamsters. Using intravital microscopy and quantitative video-image analysis, the formation of the implants microcirculation was observed for 2 weeks. The steps of revascularization were similar for spleen, myocardium, and spongiosa: After initial bleeding into the implants (12-54 h), the specimens cleared up and revealed small channels devoid of blood cells (diameter 2-5 microns) 3-4 days after implantation. After 3-5 days blood flow could be observed throughout the specimens. Despite these similarities, the evolving angioarchitecture was specific for each tissue. In contrast, dura specimens were not vascularized. Histology of the implants revealed characteristic structures of the original organs 10-15 days after implantation. It is concluded that the hamster dorsal skinfold chamber provides a suitable host tissue for syngeneic implants. By this procedure, the study of the microcirculation of remote or unpredictably moving organs becomes possible over prolonged periods of time.