The hemiface transplant in rodent model

Abstract

The composite allotransplant of tissues was recently introduced on the list of potential procedures for complex face reconstruction. To assess the technical and immunological aspects and the potential of the clinical applicability of this new approach in facial reconstruction, samples of total and hemifacial transplant with rats have been introduced. We have proposed in this study checking the versatility of the facial transplant sample in rats by performing the hemiface transplant between two neco-blood species of laboratory rats. Meanwhile, study included the verification of mono-therapy efficiency with A cyclosporine in inducing immune tolerance against the composite tissue graft, which consists of skin, subcutaneous tissue, blood vessels and ear cartilage, transferred against the hystocompatibility barriers, as well as the verification of the procedures adjacent to transplant: anesthesia and surgical technique. In this study,14 laboratory rats have been included and divided into 3 lots. Lot No. 1 was represented by 2 Brown Norway rats used for the anatomic study of the vascular formations which are going to be coopted during a facial transplant. Lot No. 2 consisted of 3 Brown Norway rats used as donors and 3 Wistar rats used as acceptors, with these transplants being associated immunosuppression protocols postop. Llot No. 3 consisted of 3 Brown Norway rats used as donors and 3 Wistar rats used as acceptors, which, after the intervention, did not receive an immunosuppression treatment. Conclusions. The experimental sample of the facial transplant is an essential and mandatory stage in preparing the clinical application of the face transplant. Our study confirms the good tolerance of the hemiface transplant against the major hystocompatibility complex granted by the immunosuppression with A Cyclosporine in rodents.