A model of orthotopic right lung transplantation in rats

Abstract

Objective To report the preliminary experience with the techniques of orthotopic right lung transplantation in rats, and to evaluate an application of the model in the study on ischemia-reperfusion injury after experimental lung transplantation. Methods Pure breed SD rats (weighing 250～270 g) were chosen. Under an operation microscope (10) for both donor and recipient procedures, 12 consecutive orthotopic right lung transplantations in rats were performed. Under the general anes-thesia and mechanical ventilation, middle line laparothoracotomy was used to expose the heart and bi-lateral lungs. Heparin was given through the inferior vena cava. After opening the right ventricular outflow tract and exsanguinating through the left auricle, a perfusion catheter was placed in the pul-monary artery. Following lung perfusion, the donor lung was retrieved, and properly preserved. The techniques of general anesthesia and mechanical ventilation for the recipient were the same as the do-nor. Right posterior thoracotomy through the fourth intercostal space was performed. Pulmonary ves-sels and bronchus were isolated, clamped and excised as far from the clamps as possible. Donor lung was implanted, all bronchial and vessel end-to-end anastomoses were hand-sewn with 9-0 single strand running suture. The intraoperative and postoperative conditions were recorded. Results The mean cold ischemic time of the graft was (131.25 ± 20.24) min; mean time of lung transplanta-tion was (91.25 ± 15.97) min. A total of 8 recipients survived for the entire 24 h observation period. Success rate of right lung transplantation was 66.6%. Furthermore, 6 recipients survived for more than 4 weeks. Conclusion Rat right lung transplant model is a new option for ischemia-reperfusion in-jury study after lung transplantation. Key words: Rats; Lung transplantation; Models, animal