Small bowel transplantation in the mouse: Development of a model

Abstract

The rat has been used as a model to study the significance of graft and host interactions in small bowel transplantation (SBTX). A mouse model of SBTX would allow investigators to apply the knowledge of the well-defined genetics in the mouse to this field of study. Therefore, we have developed a mouse model of heterotopic SBTX using syngeneic C57BL6/J mice. Animals were anesthetized with a combination of ketamine and xylazine. Donor animals underwent midline laparotomy, with isolation of a segment of bowel as an isograft for transplantation to a recipient animal. The bowel was flushed in situ prior to removal of the graft with a Carrel patch of aorta and portal vein. The recipient animal underwent midline laparotomy and preparation of its infrarenal aorta and inferior vena cava for end-to-side anastomosis of the graft with 10-0 nylon. After vascular reperfusion of the graft the ends of the isografted bowel were brought out as stomata. Successful grafts were later assessed for viability by laparotomy or histological examination at the time of sacrifice. Areas of technical difficulty in this model and issues that might improve the experimental results are discussed. This model should allow investigators to apply the well-defined genetics of the mouse to probe the challenging field of intestinal transplantation.

Warm ischaemia time in a model for small bowel transplantation

“…This concurs with recent reports recommending the perioperative use of antimicrobials. 1,14,17,19 The perfusion of vascular pedicles is a contentious issue with many authors believing the pressure of infusion and the infusion fluid to be detrimental. 22 In previous small bowel transplantation models, authors have used up to 24 ml of perfusion fluid, 4,8 with most not specifying the volumes used.…”

“…1,[4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] Most of the articles concentrate upon a description of the method with emphasis upon the technical challenge of the procedure, the learning curve, and the high mortality rate (Table 2). 17,19 However, few investigators have evaluated the importance of the warm ischaemia time of the grafted bowel.…”

Small bowel transplantation in rats, A multicenter experience summarizing the pitfalls to be overcome

“…survival, because many complications may lead to an unsuccessful procedure [21,22]. The learning curve of SBTx in rats was well described, and some experimental centers have reported their single experiences related to SBTx complications and long-term recipient survival [10,23].…”

Development of a mouse limb transplantation model

“…9 The availability of T and B-lymphocyte knockout mice can help to explain chronic rejection, graftvs.-host disease, and the complications of immunosuppression in both limb and bone marrow transplantation research. 7 With genetically well-defined inbred strains, congenic and transgenic mice strains, availability of molecular biology resources and techniques, and lesser laboratory care costs, 8 the mouse model of heart, kidney, intestine, and lung transplantation has been developed for research in this area. [10][11][12] However, a mouse limb transplantation model has not previously been described.…”

“…In addition, by using well-characterized congenic strains of mice, the roles of major and minor histocompatibility antigens can be determined. 7,8 Thus, a mouse model of limb transplantation would allow investigators to apply the vast genetic knowledge of the mouse to this field of study. In the present study, we have developed a new model of mouse limb transplantation.…”