Modified Model of Whole Ovary Transplantation in Rats

A rat model of right whole ovary transplantation is difficult to establish because of an unfit location or absence of the right ovarian artery. The purpose of this study is to develop a rat model of left whole ovary transplantation.

Two methods of whole ovary transplantation were performed. In Group A (n = 40), the rats underwent right whole ovary grafting via conventional orthotopic allotransplant, with donor abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava end-to-side anastomoses to the recipient abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava. In Group B (n = 40), the rats underwent left whole ovary graft via orthotopic allotransplant, with donor abdominal aorta and left renal vein end-to-side anastomoses to the recipient abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava. Bilateral native ovariectomy in the recipient was performed immediately in both groups. The operative times, recipient survival rates, and transplanted ovarian function were measured.

There was no significant difference in the success rates of transplant between the 2 groups, with 92.5% and 90% success, respectively. All the living recipients recovered ovarian function. However, the operative time for the donor, the vein anastomosis time, and the cold ischemia time decreased significantly in Group B (P < .05).

The modified method of left whole ovary transplantation is reliable and easy to perform, which could significantly shorten the times of graft harvest and cold ischemia. The method is a good supplement and improvement of the conventional model of rat whole ovary transplantation.