Double-lung transplantation in the rat: an acute, syngeneic in situ model.
BACKGROUND
The high rate of reperfusion injury in clinical lung transplantation mandates significant improvements in lung preservation. Innovations should be validated using standardized and low-cost experimental models.


METHODS
The model introduced here is analyzed by comparing global lung function after varying ischemic times (2, 4, 8, 16, and 24 hours). A rat double-lung block is flush-perfused, and the main pulmonary artery and left atrium are connected to the left pulmonary artery and vein of a syngeneic recipient using a T-shaped stent. With pressure side ports and incorporated flow crystals, measurement of vascular resistance and graft oxygenation can be performed. The transplant is ventilated separately, and compliance and resistance are determined.


RESULTS
The increase in the ischemic interval from 2 to 24 hours caused an increase in the alveolar arterial oxygen difference from 220 +/- 20 to 600 +/- 34 mm Hg, pulmonary vascular resistance from 198 +/- 76 to 638 +/- 212 mm Hg.mL-1.min-1, and resistance to airflow from 274 +/- 50 to 712 +/- 30 cm H2O/L H2O, and a decrease in pulmonary compliance from 0.4 +/- 0.05 to 0.12 +/- 0.06 mL/cm H2O.


CONCLUSIONS
This in situ, syngeneic rat lung transplantation model offers an alternative to large animal models for verification of lung preservation solutions and for modification of donor or recipient treatment regimens.
Hausen
B
B
Division of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Germany.
Demertzis
S
S
Schröder
F
F
Beuke
M
M
Schäfers
H J
HJ
D000403:Airway Resistance; D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D008168:Lung / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology; D008170:Lung Compliance; D016040:Lung Transplantation; D009926:Organ Preservation; D009929:Organ Size; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood; D011652:Pulmonary Circulation; D051381:Rats; D011917:Rats, Inbred Lew; D015427:Reperfusion Injury / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D013997:Time Factors; D014185:Transplantation, Isogeneic; D014655:Vascular Resistance
D010100:Oxygen