Abstract:

Objective To improve the cuff-like vessel anastomosis technique-based rat model of lung transplantation, and establish a simple and stable rat model of orthotopic left lung transplantation. Methods Based on preliminary experiments, improvement was made from cuff-like vessel anastomosis technique-based rat model of lung transplantation on the following aspects: lungs were extracted from donors through median sternotomy, and were perfused through cut at the cone of the pulmonary artery with low pressure; blood vessel clamps were used to fix the rear part of pipe; micro left auricular clamps were used to clamp lung hilum instead of removing “sick lung” to complete tallies; respiratory tract management was enhanced. The new model was evaluated by successful rate of operation, time of operation, transplanted lung function and pathological changes. Results Ten consecutive rat models of orthotopic left lung transplantation were completed, with the successful rate of 80%. The time of donor lung perfusion-harvest, donor lung vessel anastomosis and recipient vessel anastomosis was (12±2) min, (18±3) min and (31±3) min, respectively. The oxygenation index 15 min after reperfusion was significantly higher than that 30 min after single lung ventilation (P<0.05). The typical pathological changes of ischemia-reperfusion injury were confirmed by pathological examinations 2 h after reperfusion. Conclusion The improved rat model of orthotopic left lung transplantation has been successfully established, which is simple and effective.

Key words: rat, lung transplantation, cuff technique