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Orthotopic Hind-Limb Transplantation in Rats
Published on: July 12, 2010
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Orthotopic forelimb allotransplantation in the rat model
Hainan Zhu1, Feng Xie1, Xusong Luo1
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
Microsurgery
|November 15, 2015
Summary
This study demonstrates a rat model for orthotopic forelimb allotransplantation. Cyclosporine immunosuppression enabled long-term graft survival and functional recovery, while its absence led to necrosis.
Area of Science:
- Transplantation Biology
- Surgical Innovation
- Immunosuppression Research
Background:
- Orthotopic limb allotransplantation is a complex procedure with significant challenges.
- Developing reliable animal models is crucial for advancing transplantation techniques and understanding rejection mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and validate a rat orthotopic forelimb allotransplantation model.
- To evaluate the efficacy of cyclosporine immunosuppression on graft survival and function.
Main Methods:
- Eight forelimb allotransplantations were performed from Brown Norway to Lewis rats.
- Vascular and nerve repairs were conducted, followed by administration of tapered cyclosporine in five rats and no immunosuppression in three.
- Graft viability, rejection signs, sensation, bone healing, and histology were assessed up to 90 days post-operation.
Main Results:
- All transplanted forelimbs survived, with one rat mortality.
- Cyclosporine-treated rats showed long-term graft survival, motion, and sensation recovery, with bone healing and no histological rejection signs by day 90.
- Rats without immunosuppression experienced forelimb tissue necrosis starting on postoperative day 12.
Conclusions:
- Orthotopic forelimb allotransplantation is feasible in a rat model.
- Cyclosporine-mediated immunosuppression is essential for achieving long-term graft survival and functional recovery in this model.
