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Heterotopic cardiac xenotransplantation in rodents: Report of a refined technique in a hamster‐to‐rat model
Author(s) -
Dedja Arben,
Dall'olmo Luigi,
Cadrobbi Roberto,
Baldan Nicola,
Fante Fabio,
Calabrese Fiorella,
Rigotti Paolo,
Ferraresso Mariano,
Delriviere Luc,
Cozzi Emanuele,
Ancona Ermanno
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
microsurgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.031
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1098-2752
pISSN - 0738-1085
DOI - 10.1002/micr.20101
Subject(s) - xenotransplantation , medicine , hamster , surgery , transplantation
Hamster‐to‐rat heterotopic cardiac xenotransplantation is widely used as an experimental model to study xenograft rejection, accommodation, and tolerance, as well as in studies aimed at developing immunosuppressive strategies in xenotransplantation. Despite its widespread application, no detailed description of a surgical technique for this model has been provided in the literature. Indeed, all publications so far on the use of this species combination refer to the rat allotransplantation technique. Hence the present paper provides a detailed, up‐to‐date description of the surgical method adopted at our center for the hamster‐to‐rat heterotopic cardiac xenotransplantation model. Considerable effort went into developing a reliable, reproducible experimental model in rodents, and the description given here is enriched with “tips” that we learned in the process. The discussion of the technique also addresses several significant related issues, e.g., the anesthesia and organ preservation solution used (aspects that, in our experience, are crucial to a good surgical outcome). © 2005 Wiley–Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 25:1–8, 2005.