Rejection patterns in allogeneic uterus transplantation in the mouse.
BACKGROUND
Transplantation of the uterus in the mouse has been developed as a model system for research towards human uterine transplantation. Previous studies in a mouse model have demonstrated that a syngeneic uterus transplant can give rise to normal offspring. The aim of this study was to characterize the time course of rejection in a fully allogeneic mouse uterus transplantation model.


METHODS
Uteri of BALB/c mice were transplanted to a heterotopic position in C57BL/6 recipients, whose native uteri were left in situ. The blood flow of the uteri, their gross appearance and general histology and the density of T-lymphocytes were examined on postoperative days 2-28.


RESULTS
Macroscopic signs of rejection were apparent from day 5. At the light microscopy level, minimal inflammatory changes were seen from day 5 and massive inflammation was seen from day 10 to day 15. At day 28, necrosis and fibrosis were seen. The density of T-lymphocytes (CD3(+)) was increased in the grafted uterus from day 2 in the myometrium and from day 5 in the endometrium. Blood flow in the grafted uteri was reduced from day 15.


CONCLUSIONS
A murine model to study rejection of allogeneic uterus transplants was characterized. Signs of rejection were seen from day 2 to day 5 and severe rejection was seen from day 10 to day 15. The data will be useful in future studies on immunosuppressants in this model.
El-Akouri
R Racho
RR
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden. randa.racho@obgyn.nu.se
Mölne
J
J
Groth
K
K
Kurlberg
G
G
Brännström
M
M
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous; D014599:Uterus / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology / Q000637:transplantation*