ABSTRACT
Murine models of limb transplantation have been recently described. Because of the
technical challenge, non-technical factors that influence the success rate and are
easily controlled should be considered. This study investigated the effect of recipient
animal age on anastomotic thrombosis, morbidity, and mortality. Twelve allogeneic
heterotopic hindlimb transplants were performed using the femoral vessels with end-to-end
arterial and end-to-side venous anastomoses. Group 1 (n=8) consisted of 2 to 3-month-old
mice weighing 17 to 20 g, and Group 2 (n=7) included 7 to 8-month-old mice weighing
24 to 27 g. In Group 1, 6/8 (75 percent) transplants were successful, while in Group
2, only 1/7 (14 percent) allografts survived (p<0.05). A statistically significant difference in the incidence of vascular compromise
of the ipsilateral recipient hindlimb was also noted (p<0.01). The authors conclude that although smaller, juvenile, inbred mice have a higher
anastomotic patency rate, with greater collateral vasculature in the hindlimbs, and
are therefore more suitable for limb transplantation research.
KEYWORD
Age - composite tissue transplantation - limb transplantation - mouse model
