title: A novel ex-vivo porcine renal xenotransplantation model using a pulsatile machine preservation system.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Animal models to investigate pathophysiology and xenotransplantation require complex techniques and significant animal utilization. The aim of the study was to develop a reliable ex-vivo technique to test xenotransplant interventions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Miniature Swine being utilized for a nonsurvival study acted as donor animals. Kidneys were flushed and rapidly explanted and chilled to 4°C. Kidneys were assigned to be the control (CK) (n=3) and the mate were used as a Xenograft Kidneys (XK) (n=3). Kidneys were perfused on separate Waters RM 3 perfusion devices. Perfusion temperature was 35-37°C and pressure was 100-110/60-70 mmHg at 60 pulses per minute. CKs were reperfused with autologous blood collected at the time of organ procurement. XKs were reperfused using freshly donated whole human blood. Physical characteristics, urine output were recorded. Core needle biopsies were obtained and examined by a blinded pathologist for evidence of antibody mediated rejection.
  
  
  RESULTS
  XK kidneys demonstrated homogenous reperfusion which rapidly became patchy at 5-7 minutes. XK kidneys had become complete black and thrombosed by 60-70 minutes. XK biopsies demonstrated peritubular capillaritis. CK kidneys demonstrated homogenous reperfusion and urine production. H&E stain of CKs only demonstrated nonspecific inflammation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our ex-vivo porcine xenotransplant model shows early promise as a tool for studying Xeno- associated hyperacute rejection. This technique saves resources and animal utilization.
authors: Division of Abdominal Organ Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA. jjg46@columbia.edu
authors: James V
authors: JV
authors: Guarrera
authors: Jonathan
authors: J
authors: Stone
authors: Jacob
authors: J
authors: Tulipan
authors: Jeffrey
authors: J
authors: Jhang
authors: Ben
authors: B
authors: Arrington
authors: Jason
authors: J
authors: Boykin
authors: Glen
authors: G
authors: Markowitz
authors: Lloyd E
authors: LE
authors: Ratner
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods* / Q000502:physiology; D023421:Models, Animal; D009926:Organ Preservation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D011673:Pulsatile Flow; D013552:Swine; D013556:Swine, Miniature; D013997:Time Factors; D014183:Transplantation, Heterologous / Q000009:adverse effects