Orthotopic Liver Transplantation in Rats

Clinical progress in the field of liver transplantation has been largely supported by animal models^1,2. Since the publication of the first orthotopic rat liver transplantation in 1979 by Kamada et al.³, this model has remained the gold standard despite various proposed alternative techniques⁴. Nevertheless, its broader use is limited by its steep learning curve⁵.In this video paper, we show a simple and easy-to-establish revision of Kamada''s two-cuff technique. The suprahepatic vena cava anastomosis is performed manually with a running suture, and the vena porta and infrahepatic vena cava anastomoses are performed utilizing a quick-linker cuff system⁶. Manufacturing the quick-linker kit is shown in a separate video paper.     

Orthotopic Small Bowel Transplantation in Rats

Small bowel transplantation has become an accepted clinical option for patients with short gut syndrome and failure of parenteral nutrition (irreversible intestinal failure). In specialized centers improved operative and managing strategies have led to excellent short- and intermediate term patient and graft survival while providing high quality of life ^1,3. Unlike in the more common transplantation of other solid organs (i.e. heart, liver) many underlying mechanisms of graft function and immunologic alterations induced by intestinal transplantation are not entirely known^6,7. Episodes of acute rejection, sepsis and chronic graft failure are the main obstacles still contributing to less favorable long term outcome and hindering a more widespread employment of the procedure despite a growing number of patients on home parenteral nutrition who would potentially benefit from such a transplant. The small intestine contains a large number of passenger leucocytes commonly referred to as part of the gut associated lymphoid system (GALT) this being part of the reason for the high immunogenity of the intestinal graft. The presence and close proximity of many commensals and pathogens in the gut explains the severity of sepsis episodes once graft mucosal integrity is compromised (for example by rejection). To advance the field of intestinal- and multiorgan transplantation more data generated from reliable and feasible animal models is needed. The model provided herein combines both reliability and feasibility once established in a standardized manner and can provide valuable insight in the underlying complex molecular, cellular and functional mechanisms that are triggered by intestinal transplantation. We have successfully used and refined the described procedure over more than 5 years in our laboratory ^8-11. The JoVE video-based format is especially useful to demonstrate the complex procedure and avoid initial pitfalls for groups planning to establish an orthotopic rodent model investigating intestinal transplantation.     

大鼠原位肝移植急性排斥反应模型的建立

目的建立大鼠原位肝移植急性排斥反应模型。方法采用改进的Limmer和Kamada的二袖套法建立大鼠肝移植模型。将大鼠分为2组：①实验组：急性排斥反应组（Wistar→SD）;②对照组：免疫耐受组（SD→SD）。结果免疫排斥组肝存活时间（7.4±1.7）d低于对照组（18.9±7.6）d,差异有统计学意义0.05（P〈0.05）。结论Wistar→SD大鼠之间的原位肝移植模型可产生中、重度的免疫排斥反应,是一种较理想的可作为研究急性排斥反应的动物模型。     

单人建立大鼠原位肝移植模型的手术体会

目的:探讨单人建立稳定大鼠原位肝移植模型手术中的难点及对策。方法:单人及双人裸视下采用改良二袖套法制备大鼠原位肝移植模型各50例。结果:单人及双人组供体手术时间、无肝期、受体手术手术时间分别为:(39.16±2.89)min和(38.36±3.04)min、(19.92±1.36)min和(19.70±1.40)min、(61.98±3.46)min和(58.65±3.94)min;单人及双人组手术成功率、1周存活率、一月存活率分别为:94.0%(47/50)和92.0%(46/50)、86.0%(43/50)和88.0%(44/50)、86%(43/50)和84%(42/50)。结论:通过改进手术方法,简化操作,单人即可建立稳定的大鼠原位肝移植模型。     

Orthotopic Hind Limb Transplantation in the Mouse

In vivo animal model systems, and in particular mouse models, have evolved into powerful and versatile scientific tools indispensable to basic and translational research in the field of transplantation medicine. A vast array of reagents is available exclusively in this setting, including mono- and polyclonal antibodies for both diagnostic and interventional applications. In addition, a vast number of genotyped, inbred, transgenic, and knock out strains allow detailed investigation of the individual contributions of humoral and cellular components to the complex interplay of an immune response and make the mouse the gold standard for immunological research. Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) delineates a novel field of transplantation using allografts to replace "like with like" in patients suffering traumatic or congenital tissue loss. This surgical methodological protocol shows the use of a non-suture cuff technique for super-microvascular anastomosis in an orthotopic mouse hind limb transplantation model. The model specifically allows for comparison between established paradigms in solid organ transplantation with a novel form of transplants consisting of various different tissue components. Uniquely, this model allows for the transplantation of a viable vascularized bone marrow compartment and niche that have the potential to exert a beneficial effect on the balance of immune acceptance and rejection. This technique provides a tool to investigate alloantigen recognition and allograft rejection and acceptance, as well as enables the pursuit of functional nerve regeneration studies to further advance this novel field of transplantation.     

Mast Cell Stabilization Alleviates Acute Lung Injury after Orthotopic Autologous Liver Transplantation in Rats by Downregulating Inflammation

Background

Acute lung injury (ALI) is one of the most severe complications after orthotopic liver transplantation. Amplified inflammatory response after transplantation contributes to the process of ALI, but the mechanism underlying inflammation activation is not completely understood. We have demonstrated that mast cell stabilization attenuated inflammation and ALI in a rodent intestine ischemia/reperfusion model. We hypothesized that upregulation of inflammation triggered by mast cell activation may be involve in ALI after liver transplantation.

Methods

Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats received orthotopic autologous liver transplantation (OALT) and were executed 4, 8, 16, and 24 h after OALT. The rats were pretreated with the mast cell stabilizers cromolyn sodium or ketotifen 15 min before OALT and executed 8 h after OALT. Lung tissues and arterial blood were collected to evaluate lung injury_. β-hexosaminidase and mast cell tryptase levels were assessed to determine the activation of mast cells. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 in serum and lung tissue were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 translocation was assessed by Western blot.

Results

The rats that underwent OALT exhibited severe pulmonary damage with a high wet-to-dry ratio, low partial pressure of oxygen, and low precursor surfactant protein C levels, which corresponded to the significant elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, β-hexosaminidase, and tryptase levels in serum and lung tissues. The severity of ALI progressed and maximized 8 h after OALT. Mast cell stabilization significantly inhibited the activation of mast cells, downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and translocation of NF-κB, and attenuated OALT-induced ALI.

Conclusions

Mast cell activation amplified inflammation and played an important role in the process of post-OALT related ALI.     

人肝癌裸小鼠常位移植实验研究

采用硫贲妥钠（３０ｍｇ／ｋｇ、３０％乙醇配制）麻醉和蘸上立止血（２５０ｋＩＵ／ｍｌ）的明胶海棉止血措施确保了人肝癌裸小鼠常位移植术能安全、可靠地进行。本中心建立的两株人肝癌裸小鼠移植瘤株（ＨＨＣ４、ＨＨＣ１５）已成功地移植于裸小鼠（ＳＰＦ级）肝脏内,移植瘤生长良好、传代稳定和持续分泌ＡＦＰ。荷瘤（ＨＨＣ１５）３～６周裸小鼠血清ＡＦＰ含量与瘤体积的增加呈正相关。常位移植前（７ｄ）裸小鼠皮下注射０．１ｍｌ０．５％ＣＣ１（Ｖ／Ｖ。橄榄油配制）能明显提高ＨＨＣ４常位移植的成功率（Ｘ２检验、Ｐ＜０．０１）;在微量ＣＣｌ４作用下,裸小鼠肝细胞受损伤,发生肝硬化,在此基础上所移植和生长的人肝癌常位移植瘤与大多数人肝癌病变发生的肝脏病理生理学特点相似,本模型的建立更适用于抗肝癌药物的模拟治疗和筛选。     

Orthotopic Aortic Transplantation in Mice for the Study of Vascular Disease

Vascular procedures involving anastomoses in the mouse are generally thought to be difficult and highly dependent on the skill of the individual surgeon. This is largely true, but there are a number of important principles that can reduce the difficulty of these procedures and enhance reproducibility. Orthotopic aortic transplantation is an excellent procedure in which to learn these principles because it involves only two end-to-end anastomoses, but requires good suturing technique and handling of the vessels for consistent success. This procedure begins with the procurement of a length of abdominal aorta from a donor animal, followed by division of the native aorta in the recipient. The procured aorta is then placed between the divided ends of the recipient aorta and sutured into place using end-to-end anastomoses. To accomplish this objective successfully requires a high degree of concentration, good tools, a steady hand, and an appreciation of how easily the vasculature of a mouse can be damaged, resulting in thrombosis. Learning these important principles is what occupies most of the beginner''s time when learning microsurgery in small rodents. Throughout this protocol, we refer to these important points. This model can be used to study vascular disease in a variety of different experimental systems^1-8. In the context shown here, it is most often used for the study of post-transplant vascular disease, a common long-term complication of solid organ transplantation in which intimal hyperplasia occurs within the allograft. The primary advantage of the model is that it facilitates quantitative morphometric analyses and the transplanted vessel lies contiguous to the endogenous vessel, which can serve as an additional control⁹. The technique shown here is most often used for mice weighing 18-25 grams. We have accumulated most of our experience using the C57BL/6J, BALB/cJ, and C3H/HeJ strains.     

Development of Obliterative Bronchiolitis in a Murine Model of Orthotopic Lung Transplantation

Orthotopic lung transplantation in rats was first reported by Asimacopoulos and colleagues in 1971 ¹. Currently, this method is well accepted and standardized not only for the study of allo-rejection but also between syngeneic strains for examining mechanisms of ischemia-reperfusion injury after lung transplantation. Although the application of the rat and other large animal model ² contributed significantly to the elucidation of these studies, the scope of those investigations is limited by the scarcity of knockout and transgenic rats. Due to no effective therapies for obliterative bronchiolitis, the leading cause of death in lung transplant patients, there has been an intensive search for pre-clinical models that replicate obliterative bronchiolitis. The tracheal allograft model is the most widely used and may reproduce some of the histopathologic features of obliterative bronchiolitis ³. However, the lack of an intact vasculature with no connection to the recipient''s conducting airways, and incomplete pathologic features of obliterative bronchiolitis limit the utility of this model ⁴. Unlike transplantation of other solid organs, vascularized mouse lung transplants have only recently been reported by Okazaki and colleagues for the first time in 2007 ⁵. Applying the basic principles of the rat lung transplant, our lab initiated the obliterative bronchiolitis model using minor histoincompatible antigen murine orthotopic single-left lung transplants which allows the further study of obliterative bronchiolitis immunopathogenesis⁶.     

原位肝移植病人术后真菌感染的病原学特点

探讨原位肝移植术后真菌感染的病原学特征及耐药特性,为临床治疗提供依据。分析了2003年1月至2006年6月间,我院原位肝移植患者术后感染真菌的种类、分布及耐药特性。61例原位肝移植患者有19例术后并发真菌感染,感染率为31.1%;共检出52株真菌,以酵母菌感染为主,主要真菌的检出率分别是近平滑假丝酵母菌51.9%(27/52)、白假丝酵母菌23.1%(12/52)、热带假丝酵母菌9.6%(5/52)、季也蒙假丝酵母菌9.6%(5/52)、克柔假丝酵母菌3.8%(2/52)、曲霉菌感染1.9%(1/52)。常见的感染部位依次为呼吸道、肠道、尿道、血液、胆汁。药敏试验显示,51株真菌对常用抗真菌药物两性霉素B(AMB)、制霉菌素(MYS)、5-氟胞嘧啶(5-FC)、酮康唑(KTC)、咪康唑(M IC)、益康唑(ECO)的平均耐药率分别是2.0%、7.8%、9.8%、29.4%、35.3%和41.2%。原位肝移植术后真菌感染是影响患者预后的重要因素之一,临床应该加强肝移植术后真菌感染耐药性的监测。     

Orthotopic Kidney Transplantation in Mice: Technique Using Cuff for Renal Vein Anastomosis

Mouse renal transplantation is a technically challenging procedure. Although the first kidney transplants in mice were performed over 34 years ago and refined some years later, the classical techniques of mouse renal transplantation required clamping both vena cava and aorta simultaneously and carry out suture anastomoses of the renal artery and vein in a heterotopic position. In our laboratory, we have successfully developed mouse orthotopic kidney transplantation for the first time, using a rapid “cuffed” renal vein technique for vessel anastomosis, wherein the donor’s renal vein was inserted through an intravenous catheter, folded back and tied. During grafting, the cuffed renal vein was directly inserted into the recipient’s renal vein without the need for the clamping vena cava and suturing of renal vein. This technique allowed for the exact transplantation of the kidney into the original position, compared to the classical technique, and has significantly shortened the clamping time due to a quicker and precise anastomosis of renal vein as described. This also allowed for a quicker recovery of the lower extremity activity, reduction in myoglobinuria with resultant kidney graft survival of 88.9%. Thus we believe that the cuffed renal vein technique simplifies microvascular anastomoses and affords important additional benefits.     

Survival after Orthotopic Liver Transplantation: A Follow-up Report of Two Patients

Two adult patients with terminal fatal liver disease were treated by orthotopic transplantation. One survived 11 months and died as a result of recurrent biliary intra-abdominal sepsis; the other patient is alive and well in the 18th month after transplantation and has virtually normal liver function. It is concluded that liver grafting can provide valuable therapy.     

荧光素酶标记人胃癌细胞裸鼠原位移植模型的建立

目的建立荧光素酶标记人胃癌原位异种移植模型。方法将萤火虫荧光素酶作为标记基因导入人胃癌MGC803细胞,建立稳定表达荧光素酶的细胞,将其接种裸鼠胃壁浆膜下,建立胃癌裸鼠原位肿瘤模型。用活体荧光成像系统检测肿瘤的发生发展,并进行小动物超声影像和病理学分析。结果裸鼠原位成瘤率为100%,活体荧光成像观察发现在接种第7天,就可以观察到肿瘤发光。21 d后肿瘤进入对数生长期,28 d后肿瘤出现明显坏死,平均荧光光子数呈现下降趋势。超声成像发现小鼠胃部有直径为8.39 mm,面积为28.92 mm2瘤块。结论荧光素酶标记可以实时监测原位异种移植人胃癌生长状况。     

Technique of Porcine Liver Procurement and Orthotopic Transplantation using an Active Porto-Caval Shunt

The success of liver transplantation has resulted in a dramatic organ shortage. Each year, a considerable number of patients on the liver transplantation waiting list die without receiving an organ transplant or are delisted due to disease progression. Even after a successful transplantation, rejection and side effects of immunosuppression remain major concerns for graft survival and patient morbidity. Experimental animal research has been essential to the success of liver transplantation and still plays a pivotal role in the development of clinical transplantation practice. In particular, the porcine orthotopic liver transplantation model (OLTx) is optimal for clinically oriented research for its close resemblance to human size, anatomy, and physiology. Decompression of intestinal congestion during the anhepatic phase of porcine OLTx is important to guarantee reliable animal survival. The use of an active porto-caval-jugular shunt achieves excellent intestinal decompression. The system can be used for short-term as well as long-term survival experiments. The following protocol contains all technical information for a stable and reproducible liver transplantation model in pigs including post-operative animal care.     

人肝癌原位移植转移模型特性实验研究

目的　建立人肝癌细胞系HCC-9724(简称H)淋巴结转移模型,研究肿瘤转移机理。方法　采用裸鼠肝脏原位移植法,接种肿瘤细胞,取其淋巴结转移灶反复肝内接种,连续传三代后,观察其转移特性,采用SABC法测定淋巴结中nm23和Ⅳ型胶原酶表达。结果　裸鼠原位接种50d,肝内长出约1.7cm×6.0cm大小的肿瘤,呈分叶状,质地较软,周围血供丰富,瘤组织与邻近脏器粘连,有明显的浸润和转移,经裸鼠三次筛选后肿瘤潜伏期短(15d),瘤体大,形成广泛的肠系膜淋巴结转移,淋巴结中Ⅳ型胶原酶表达呈强阳性;而nm23呈弱阳性。结论　采用裸鼠肝原位移植法,反复筛选,获得了人肝癌淋巴结高转移模型。     

Orthotopic Aortic Transplantation: A Rat Model to Study the Development of Chronic Vasculopathy

Research models of chronic rejection are essential to investigate pathobiological and pathophysiological processes during the development of transplant vasculopathy (TVP).The commonly used animal model for cardiovascular chronic rejection studies is the heterotopic heart transplant model performed in laboratory rodents. This model is used widely in experiments since Ono and Lindsey (3) published their technique. To analyze the findings in the blood vessels, the heart has to be sectioned and all vessels have to be measured.Another method to investigate chronic rejection in cardiovascular questionings is the aortic transplant model (1, 2). In the orthotopic aortic transplant model, the aorta can easily be histologically evaluated (2). The PVG-to-ACI model is especially useful for CAV studies, since acute vascular rejection is not a major confounding factor and Cyclosporin A (CsA) treatment does not prevent the development of CAV, similar to what we find in the clinical setting (4). A7-day period of CsA is required in this model to prevent acute rejection and to achieve long-term survival with the development of TVP.This model can also be used to investigate acute cellular rejection and media necrosis in xenogeneic models (5).Download video file.^{(51M, mov)}     

Liver Transplantation in Man—II,a Report of two Orthotopic Liver Transplants in Adult Recipients

Two patients with primary hepatic malignancy were treated by hepatectomy and orthotopic liver transplantation. In both cases the donor liver was infused with cold solutions and kept chilled without continuous perfusion. There was immediate satisfactory hepatic function in both transplants.The first patient died after 11 weeks from overwhelming bacterial and fungal infections probably secondary to hepatic infarction due to thrombosis of the recipient hepatic artery. The thrombus occurred at the site of the arterial clamp. In an attempt to control the growth before transplantation, the patient had been treated with large doses of chlorambucil, which resulted in extreme marrow depression and septicaemia.The second patient developed cholestatic jaundice during the second and third weeks after transplantation, with histological evidence of mild rejection, which was controlled by increasing the dose of immunosuppressive agents. He is now well, having returned to work six weeks after the operation.Though the first patient showed no evidence of rejection, it is concluded that patients receiving liver allografts should receive immunosuppressive therapy.     

大鼠肝移植急性排斥反应模型的建立与评价

目的：建立大鼠肝脏移植急性排斥反应模型,并对所建模型进行评价。方法：采用改良Kamada“二袖套”法,以近交系大鼠Dark Agouti（DA）为供体、Lewis（LEW）为受体（A组）建立大鼠原位肝移植急性排斥反应模型,通过观察手术情况、生存情况及肝功能和病理学检查对此模型进行评价,同时以LEW→LEW作为对照组（B组）。结果：手术成功率为91.3%;手术时间为（90.70±5.68）min;无肝期时间（9.96±1.19）min;平均存活时间A组为（12.44±3.43）d,B组超过100d;A组血清谷丙转氨酶、谷草转氨酶及血清总胆红素术后不断升高,在第10～14d最为明显,血清白蛋白在术后第3d开始逐渐降低,在相同时相点,与B组相比差异显著;A组移植肝脏病理检查有明显的排斥反应,而B组没有。结论：DA→LEW为稳定、强烈的大鼠肝移植急排模型,是研究肝移植排斥及免疫耐受的理想动物模型。     

Improvements of the Surgical Technique on the Established Mouse Model of Orthotopic Single Lung Transplantation

Background

A wide range of knockout and transgenic murine models for the study of nonimmune and immune mechanisms in lung transplants are available nowadays, but the microsurgical techniques are difficult to learn. We describe methods to simplify techniques and facilitate learning.

Methods

Traditional procedures were implemented to perform lung transplants in 30 cases (group 1). Improved techniques which included cuff without tail, broadening of the cuff diameter for bronchus, establishment of one tunnel between three structures, innovative technology of the vascular anastomosis and placement of the chest tube post-operation were used to perform lung transplants in 30 cases (group 2).

Results

The improved techniques considerably shorten operative times (96.75±6.16 min and 85.32±6.98 min in groups 1 and 2, respectively). The survival rates in the recipient animals were 86.7% and 96.7% in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Chest X-rays and macroscopic changes of transplanted recipients showed that grafts were well inflated on postoperative day 30. There was no significant difference of the arterial oxygen tension (PaO₂) between two groups (115.9±7.11 mm Hg and 116.3±6.87 mm Hg in groups 1 and 2, respectively). Histologically, no lung injury was seen in grafts.

Conclusions

We described the modified procedures of orthotopic left lung transplants in mice, which could shorten operative time and increase survival rate.