VITAL ORGANS TRANSPLANTATION MODELS IN RATS

Abstract

Experimental transplantation models in rats are useful for the studies of transplantation immunology, as well as training in microsurgery. Vital organs transplantation (heart, kidney, trachea) in rats has been accepted as the most widely used model to investigate the immune mechanisms of transplantation, being easy to monitor clinically due to the rapid resumption of the function of the grafted organ. The study was performed on a group of Lewis rats (n=15), divided into 3 groups. In the first group (n=5) cervical heterotopic kidney transplantations were performed, in the second group (n=5) cervical heterotopic heart transplantations, and in the third group (n=5) orthotopic tracheal transplantations. The transplantation was performed between donor Brown Norway rats and recipient Lewis rats. Immunosuppressive therapy was instituted by administration of cyclosporine (7mg/kg), until the rats were euthanized. Mean donor operating time (mDOT) and mean recipient operating time (mROT) were measured, as well as the success rate of the transplant (GS). For all 3 types of transplantations, there was a 100% success rate, mDOT, respectively mROT varying, with the exception that only in the case of the orthotopic tracheal transplantation, mROT was significantly lower than mDOT. Useful microsurgical transplantation models were described for immunological studies which enabled the completion of complex microsurgical training, accessible for residents, as well as for medical students. The easy monitoring of the transplanted grafts and the decrease of the hemorrhaging during the procedure represent the advantages of cervical heterotopic transplantation.