Commentary on “The pig as a preclinical model for intestinal ischemia-reperfusion and transplantation studies”

Abstract

In the field of organ transplantation, animal models have played integral roles in both the development of the required surgical techniques and the understanding of the immune response to an allograft. The early works of pioneers such as Alexis Carrel and Peter Medewar using animals laid the foundation for the field as it exists today [ 1 Carrel A. Guthrie C.C. Successful transplantation of both kidneys from a dog into a bitch with removal of both normal kidneys from the latter. Science. 1906; 23: 394 Crossref PubMed Scopus (24) Google Scholar , 2 Medewar P.B. The behaviour and fate of skin autografts and skin homografts in rabbits: a report to the War Wounds Committee of the Medical Research Council. J Anat. 1944; 78: 176 PubMed Google Scholar ]. Since these seminal experiments, animal research has resulted in innumerable advances in the understanding of the immune response, the introduction of immunomodulatory therapies, and the refinement the surgical techniques required for successful transplantation [ [3] Kirk A.D. Crossing the bridge: large animal models in translational transplantation research. Immunol Rev. 2003; 196: 176 Crossref PubMed Scopus (120) Google Scholar ]. Certainly, no animal model equates completely to human physiology and immunobiology. However, certain models do lend themselves particularly well to specific areas of interest. The pig as a preclinical model for intestinal ischemia-reperfusion and transplantation studiesJournal of Surgical ResearchVol. 178Issue 2PreviewSmall bowel transplantation has become an established procedure for treatment of irreversible intestinal failure. In this procedure, primary ischemia and reperfusion is inevitable and will lead to some level of tissue injury. Both clinical and experimental data demonstrate that events occurring at the time of transplantation, called ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI), may have deleterious short- and long-term effects, manifesting as increased episodes of acute rejection and chronic allograft dysfunction. Full-Text PDF