Application of a Self-Made Swivel Intravenous Transfusion Device in Constructing Allogenic Small Bowel Transplantation Rejection Model in Rats

Abstract

Background Lacking a long-term continuous intravenous infusion device for experimental animals is the biggest obstacle to constructing an allogenic small bowel transplantation rejection model. Objective To establish a rat heterotopic small bowel transplantation model with the use of a swivel device for intravenous transfusion. Methods The randomized block design of controlled observations included 90 inbred male F344/NCrl BR rats as donors and 90 LEW/Crl rats as recipients. On the basis of body weight, the rats were divided into three groups each with 30 pairs of rats. Group 1, the control group, underwent small bowel transplantation. Group 2, the transfusion group, received small bowel transplantation and continuous infusion of parenteral nutrient solution. Group 3, the tacrolimus (FK506) treatment group, received small bowel transplantation, continuous infusion of parenteral nutrient solution, and intravenous injection of FK506. The general status and survival time of transplanted rats were observed for 5 weeks. Results The operative success rate was 100%. The survival rate was 83.3% (25/30) in the control group; and 96.7% (58/60) in groups 2 and 3 ( P = .039). The mean survival time of the FK506 group was 22.1 ± 13.4 days, which was significantly higher than that in the transfusion group (10.4 ± 2.9 days, P = .023). Conclusion The simple, practical swivel intravenous infusion device provided treatment for more than 30 days, a useful tool for heterotopic segmental small bowel transplantation.