Orthotopic total small bowel transplantation in the rat.

Abstract

A technique of non-auxiliary orthotopic total small bowel transplantation in the rat is described. Two groups of recipients were compared: a group receiving a homologous graft without immunosuppression (group I) vs. a group receiving an isologous graft (group II). The evaluation was done by the following parameters: survival, weight and microscopical anatomy. The operative mortality (32.5°/_°) was comparable with the mortality of transplantation techniques of other vascularised organs in the rat. 11 out of 14 rats from group II, surviving the transplantation procedure, are still alive and in excellent condition, more than a half year later. The mean survival time (32 days) of group I was significantly longer than the mean survival time of other homologous transplanted organs in the same donor host combination. The weight curve of group I showed a striking difference in the post-operative course with the group that received isologous grafts. Rats having received homologous transplants showed definite signs of graft rejection, and no signs of graft vs. host reaction.