Arch Craniofac Surg.  2014 Aug;15(2):89-93. 10.7181/acfs.2014.15.2.89.

Hemifacial Transplantation Model in Rats

• Lim JW
• Eun SC

• KMID: 2134167
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7181/acfs.2014.15.2.89

Abstract

BACKGROUND
To refine facial transplantation techniques and achieve sound results, it is essential to develop a suitable animal model. Rat is a small animal and has many advantages over other animals that have been used as transplantation models. The purpose of this study was to describe a rat hemifacial transplantation model and to verify its convenience and reproducibility.
METHODS
Animals used in this study were Lewis rats (recipients) and Lewis-Brown Norway rats (donors). Nine transplantations were performed, requiring 18 animals. The hemifacial flap that included the ipsilateral ear was harvested based on the unilateral common carotid artery and external jugular vein and was transferred as a single unit. Cyclosporine A therapy was initiated 24 hours after transplantation and lasted for 2 weeks. Signs of rejection responses were evaluated daily.
RESULTS
The mean transplantation time was 1 hour 20 minutes. The anatomy of common carotid artery and external jugular vein was consistent, and the vessel size was appropriate for anastomosis. Six of nine allografts remained good viable without vascular problems at the conclusion of study (postoperative 2 weeks).
CONCLUSION
The rat hemifacial transplantation model is suitable as a standard transplantation training model.

Keyword

Rat; Facial transplantation; Vascularized composite allotransplantation

MeSH Terms

Allografts
Animals
Carotid Artery, Common
Cyclosporine
Ear
Facial Transplantation
Jugular Veins
Models, Animal
Norway
Rats*
Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation
Cyclosporine