Korean J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg.  2004 Aug;37(8):623-631.

The Viability & Vascularization of the Cryopreserved Rat Tracheal Allografts with Omental Implantation

• Kim YH
• Park SI
• Kim DK
• Kim KR

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Using the neovascularizing properties of the omentum, we studied the viability and vascularity of the cryopreserved rat tracheal allografts with omental implantation. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The cryopreserved tracheal allografts of eight-week old male Sprague Dawley rats were implanted into the omentum. The rats were divided into the four groups according to the duration of cryopreservation and of omental implantation. We examined the tracheal allografts histologically for viability of cartilages, inflammation and fibrosis of smooth muscle and connective tissue, and degree of vascularity. RESULT: The degree of inflammation in the smooth muscle and the connective tissue of the tracheal allografts was not statistically related to neither the duration of cryopreservation or of omental implantation. The tracheal cartilages of the tracheal allografts were found to be severely calcified in all cases. Significant difference in vascularity was found between the groups I and II (p<0.05). And a sufficient vascularity in the intercartilaginous space was observed in the midportion of the the tracheal allografts as well as both ends.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the omental implantation for 2 weeks could establish a sufficient vascularity in the intercartilaginous spaces for maintaining the viability of the tracheal allografts. This study might provide a possibility of the sequential tracheal allotransplantation after omental implantation.

Keyword

Viability; Allograft; Omentum; Cryopreservation; Tracheal transplantation

MeSH Terms

Allografts*
Animals
Cartilage
Connective Tissue
Cryopreservation
Fibrosis
Humans
Inflammation
Male
Muscle, Smooth
Omentum
Rats*
Rats, Sprague-Dawley