Rat ear transplantation: a feasibility study

The feasibility of rat ear replantation and its inherent advantages as an experimental model have previously been demonstrated. The purpose of this study was to validate the technical feasibility of rat ear transplantation. To eliminate immunologic rejection as a complicating factor, highly inbred Lewis rats (strain LEW/CRIBR) were utilized. The external, internal, or common carotid artery served as the arterial pedicle, and the posterior facial vein as the venous pedicle; tubal cartilage was anastomosed for structural support. Four of five transplanted ears were viable at 10 to 14 weeks postoperatively. The other ear appeared entirely viable, when its host animal died of respiratory complications on postoperative day 2. Rat ears therefore seem to provide a feasible model for transplantation of non-vital organs.