A new vascularized adrenal transplantation model in the rat.

Abstract

A new microsurgical model of adrenal transplantation in the rat is described. An adrenal graft with its vascular supply, adrenal artery and vein, and the attachment of a segment of aorta and inferior vena cava (IVC) was transplanted to a recipient rat with end-to-side anastomoses between the donor IVC segment and the recipient IVC and between the donor aortic segment and the recipient aorta using 10-0 nylon sutures. Using this model, different groups of recipient rats received iso- or allograft with or without immunosuppressive treatment were tested. This model provides a reliable and useful tool for research on endocrinology.