Establishment and observation for experimental model of rabbit ear replantation in situ

Abstract

Objective To establish a stable experimental model of vascularized composite allograft (VCA), which would facilitate us to study of the reaction and intervening measure regarding rejection reaction in the future. Methods From September, 2016 to July, 2017, 30 healthy male New Zealand rabbits, weighted 2.5-3.0 kg each, were chosen. Their ears should be intact without defect or necrosis. All of them were randomly and eaqually divided into 2 groups: transverse amputated group and V-shaped amputated group. In situ ear replantation after the amputation was performed. Histology analysis of skin and cartilage were done through HE and TUNEL staining, in order to compare vital rate of these ears. Results Thirty rabbits underwent ear replantation, including 13 via transverse incision and 17 via V-shaped incision. In transverse group, no ear survived, and some of them encountered vein crisis gradually after operation. The survival time ranged from 1 day to 10 days. There were 2 ears survived in V-shaped group. From HE staining, it was found certain vacuolar degenerated cells within skin and cartilage in failure ears. The rates of cell necrosis and apoptosis were higher than the survived ears. Conclusion Rabbit ear replantation model is viable. However, the rabbit ear replantation model is not suitable to be used in large samples. Key words: Allograft transplantation; Rabbit ear replantation; Vessel anatomy; New Zealand rabbit; Microsurgical technique