Name: surgical approach, challenges, and resolutions for uterus transplantation in rats
Uploaded: 2023-04-14T14:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Surgical Approach, Challenges, and Resolutions for Uterus Transplantation in Rats at JoVE.com

This study was supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation (project grant no. 310030_192736). We would like to thank Dr. Frauke Seehusen from the Institute of Veterinary Pathology of the University of Zurich for her histopathological support.

All animal experiments were performed following Swiss Federal Animal Regulations and approved by the Veterinary Office of Zurich (n&#176; 225/2019), assuring human care. Female virgin Lewis rats (body weight of 170-200 g) and female virgin Brown Norway rats (170-200 g) were used as uterus donors/recipients, while male Lewis rats (300-320 g) were used for mating. The rats were aged from 12-15 months. The animals were obtained from commercial sources (see Table of Materials) and were housed in controlled c...

<ol>
	<li>Richards, E. G., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Uterus+transplantation:+state+of+the+art+in+2021.">Uterus transplantation: state of the art in 2021.</a> Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics. 38 (9), 2251-2259 (2021).</li><li>Jones, B. P., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Options+for+acquiring+motherhood+in+absolute+uterine+factor+infertility;+adoption,+surrogacy+and+uterine+transplantation.">Options for acquiring motherhood in absolute uterine factor infertility; adoption, surrogacy and uterine transplantation.</a> The Obstetrician &amp; Gynaecologist. 23 (2), 138-147 (2021).</li><li>Brannstrom, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+first+clinical+trial+of+uterus+transplantation:+surgical+technique+and+outcome.">The first clinical trial of uterus transplantation: surgical technique and outcome.</a> American Journal of Transplantation. 14, 44 (2014).</li><li>Ejzenberg, D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Livebirth+after+uterus+transplantation+from+a+deceased+donor+in+a+recipient+with+uterine+infertility.">Livebirth after uterus transplantation from a deceased donor in a recipient with uterine infertility.</a> Lancet. 392 (10165), 2697-2704 (2018).</li><li>Lavoue, V., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Which+donor+for+uterus+transplants:+brain-dead+donor+or+living+donor?+A+systematic+review.">Which donor for uterus transplants: brain-dead donor or living donor? A systematic review.</a> Transplantation. 101 (2), 267-273 (2017).</li><li>O'Donovan, L., Williams, N. J., Wilkinson, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ethical+and+policy+issues+raised+by+uterus+transplants.">Ethical and policy issues raised by uterus transplants.</a> British Medical Bulletin. 131 (1), 19-28 (2019).</li><li>Kisu, I., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Long-term+outcome+and+rejection+after+allogeneic+uterus+transplantation+in+cynomolgus+macaques.">Long-term outcome and rejection after allogeneic uterus transplantation in cynomolgus macaques.</a> Journal of Clinical Medicine. 8 (10), 1572 (2019).</li><li>Ozkan, O., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Uterus+transplantation:+From+animal+models+through+the+first+heart+beating+pregnancy+to+the+first+human+live+birth.">Uterus transplantation: From animal models through the first heart beating pregnancy to the first human live birth.</a> Womens Health. 12 (4), 442-449 (2016).</li><li>Favre-Inhofer, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Involving+animal+models+in+uterine+transplantation.">Involving animal models in uterine transplantation.</a> Frontiers in Surgery. 9, 830826 (2022).</li><li>El-Akouri, R. 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N., Diaz-Garcia, C., Brannstrom, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Pregnancy+after+syngeneic+uterus+transplantation+and+spontaneous+mating+in+the+rat.">Pregnancy after syngeneic uterus transplantation and spontaneous mating in the rat.</a> Human Reproduction. 26 (3), 553-558 (2011).</li><li>Wranning, C. A., Akhi, S. N., Kurlberg, G., Brannstrom, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Uterus+transplantation+in+the+rat:+Model+development,+surgical+learning+and+morphological+evaluation+of+healing.">Uterus transplantation in the rat: Model development, surgical learning and morphological evaluation of healing.</a> Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica. 87 (11), 1239-1247 (2008).</li><li>Brannstrom, M., Wranning, C. A., Altchek, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Experimental+uterus+transplantation.">Experimental uterus transplantation.</a> Human Reproduction Update. 16 (3), 329-345 (2010).</li><li>Diaz-Garcia, C., Akhi, S. N., Wallin, A., Pellicer, A., Brannstrom, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=First+report+on+fertility+after+allogeneic+uterus+transplantation.">First report on fertility after allogeneic uterus transplantation.</a> Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica. 89 (11), 1491-1494 (2010).</li><li>R, E., Brown, M. J., Karas, A. Z. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Anesthesia and Analgesia in Laboratory Animals. 2nd edn. , (2008).</li><li>Donovan, J., Brown, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Euthanasia.">Euthanasia.</a> Current Protocols. , 8 (2006).</li><li>Rutledge, C., Raper, D. M. S., Abla, A. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=How+I+do+it:+superficial+temporal+artery-middle+cerebral+artery+bypass+for+flow+augmentation+and+replacement.">How I do it: superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery bypass for flow augmentation and replacement.</a> Acta Neurochirurgica. 162 (8), 1847-1851 (2020).</li><li>Kuo, S. C. -. H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+multiple-U+technique:+a+novel+microvascular+anastomosis+technique+that+guarantees+everted+anastomosis+sites+with+solid+intima-to-intima+contact.">The multiple-U technique: a novel microvascular anastomosis technique that guarantees everted anastomosis sites with solid intima-to-intima contact.</a> Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 149 (5), 981 (2022).</li><li>Magee, D. J., Manske, R. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Pathology and Intervention in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation. 2nd edn. , 25-62 (2016).</li><li>Diaz-Garcia, C., Johannesson, L., Shao, R. J., Bilig, H., Brannstrom, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Pregnancy+after+allogeneic+uterus+transplantation+in+the+rat:+perinatal+outcome+and+growth+trajectory.">Pregnancy after allogeneic uterus transplantation in the rat: perinatal outcome and growth trajectory.</a> Fertility and Sterility. 102 (6), 1545-1552 (2014).</li><li>Canovai, E., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=IGL-1+as+a+preservation+solution+in+intestinal+transplantation:+a+multicenter+experience.">IGL-1 as a preservation solution in intestinal transplantation: a multicenter experience.</a> Transplant International. 33 (8), 963-965 (2020).</li><li>Habran, M., De Beule, J., Jochmans, I. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=IGL-1+preservation+solution+in+kidney+and+pancreas+transplantation:+A+systematic+review.">IGL-1 preservation solution in kidney and pancreas transplantation: A systematic review.</a> PLoS One. 15 (4), 0231019 (2020).</li><li>Mosbah, I. B., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=IGL-1+solution+reduces+endoplasmic+reticulum+stress+and+apoptosis+in+rat+liver+transplantation.">IGL-1 solution reduces endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis in rat liver transplantation.</a> Cell Death &amp; Disease. 3 (3), 279 (2012).</li><li>Wiederkehr, J. C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Use+of+IGL-1+preservation+solution+in+liver+transplantation.">Use of IGL-1 preservation solution in liver transplantation.</a> Transplantation Proceedings. 46 (6), 1809-1811 (2014).</li><li>Tilney, N. L., Guttmann, R. 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The protocol presented here offers detailed instructions for the surgical approach behind uterus transplantation in rats. The protocol has been optimized to increase the odds of live births following UTx and subsequent mating. The original protocol has been taken over from the Br&#228;nnstr&#246;m group12,13, inspired by the mouse work of Akouri et al.10, and modified based on the authors&#39; experiences over the past years. As such, the ...

Uterine transplantation (UTx) is a novel treatment for absolute uterine factor infertility (AUFI). AUFI results from an absence (congenital or acquired) or malformation of the uterus and affects 3%-5% of women worldwide1. Ethical, legal, or religious reasons rule out adoption or surrogacy for many women who have a desire for motherhood but suffer from AUFI2. For these women, UTx remains the only option to start their own family. UTx has been applied in the clinic, albeit with mixed success; the procedure is technically challenging and requires steady improvement for its clinical establishment.
In 2014, the first transplantation of a uterus from a live donor (LD)-resulting in successful pregnancy-was performed by the pioneering Swedish group of Br&#228;nnstr&#246;m3. The first birth following UTx from a deceased donor (DD) was reported in 2016 in Brazil4. By 2021, more than 80 UTxs have been performed worldwide, however with a success rate of about 50% and with grafts coming from LD for the majority1.
Although not life-saving, UTx is an increasingly popular procedure to fulfill the desires for own progeny. As such, the demand for grafts is mounting, placing DD donation into a future focus. However, DD donation is complicated due to considerably longer cold (and in the case of cardiac death, also warm) ischemic exposures, elevating the risks of graft dysfunction and rejection5,6. Surgical technique, demanding compatibility matching, and associated immunosuppression remain critical issues regarding UTx outcomes7.
To manage the above risks in the clinic, appropriate animal models for the exploration of ischemia and immunosuppression are needed. The most clinically relevant endpoint for animal models remains successful birth; to date, pregnancies following experimental UTx have been achieved in mice, rats, sheep, rabbits, and cynomolgus monkeys8. While larger animals are predestined for acquiring and optimizing surgical techniques, rodents come with the distinct advantage of short gestation periods. Therefore, rodent models are superior regarding practical, financial, and ethical considerations9. However, the main challenge of UTx in mice is the small anatomy, with the highly demanding surgery tied to the low reproducibility of murine UTx10. By contrast, rats are surgically more accessible and retain the advantages of short gestation times. As such, the rat has become the model of choice for UTx9. Wranning et al. introduced the rat model of orthotopic UTx in 2008, and using this model, the first live birth following UTx and natural mating has been reported11,12,13. Subsequent studies have had critical contributions to the implementation of UTx in humans9.
Nonetheless, UTx remains challenging in rats, and only a few groups as of yet have mastered this surgical technique. One relevant obstacle to the spread of rat UTx among researchers is the lack of a precise description of the individual microsurgical steps, the pitfalls, and the according measures for troubleshooting14. This protocol aims to provide a detailed guide for this highly complex microsurgical procedure to facilitate the implementation of this animal model into future research.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Angled to Side Scissor 5 mm</td>
			<td>F.S.T</td>
			<td>15008-08</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Big Paper Clip</td>
			<td>No specific</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Used as retractor</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Blunt Bend Needle G30</td>
			<td>Unimed S.A.</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Bupivacain 0.5%</td>
			<td>Sintetica</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Buprenorphine 0.3 mg/mL</td>
			<td>Temgesic</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dosiernadel G25</td>
			<td>H.SIGRIST&#38; PARTNER AG</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dumont #5SF Forceps</td>
			<td>F.S.T</td>
			<td>11252-00</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ethilon 10/0</td>
			<td>Ethicon</td>
			<td>2810G</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ethilon 6/0</td>
			<td>Ethicon</td>
			<td>667H</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ethilon 7/0</td>
			<td>Ethicon</td>
			<td>EH7446H</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ethilon 8/0</td>
			<td>Ethicon</td>
			<td>2808G</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Femal Brown Norway Rats (150-170 g)</td>
			<td>Janvier</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Femal Lewis Rats (150-170 g)</td>
			<td>Charles River Deutschland</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Fine Scissors - Sharp</td>
			<td>F.S.T</td>
			<td>14060-09</td>
			<td>Any other small scissor works too</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Halsey Micro Needle Holder</td>
			<td>F.S.T</td>
			<td>12500-12</td>
			<td>Any other small needholder works too</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Heparin Natrium 25000 I.E./ 5 mL</td>
			<td>B. Braun</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Institute Georges Lopez Perfusion Solution (IGL)</td>
			<td>Institute Georges Lopez</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Organ preservation solution&#160;&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Male Lewis Rats (300-320 g)</td>
			<td>Charles River Deutschland</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Micro Serrefines 13 mm</td>
			<td>F.S.T</td>
			<td>18055-04&#160;&#160;</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Micro Serrefines 16 mm gebogen</td>
			<td>F.S.T</td>
			<td>18055-06</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Micro-Serrefine Clamp Applicator with Lock&#160;&#160;</td>
			<td>F.S.T</td>
			<td>18056-14&#160;&#160;</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>M&#246;lnlyncke Op Towel</td>
			<td>M&#246;lnlyncke</td>
			<td>800300</td>
			<td>Sterile drape</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>NaCl 0.9%</td>
			<td>B.Braun</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Octenisept</td>
			<td>Sch&#252;lke</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Paper Tape</td>
			<td>Tesa</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>For fixing the animal</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Philips Avent Schneller Flaschenw&#228;rmer SCF358/02</td>
			<td>Philips</td>
			<td>12824216</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ringerfundin</td>
			<td>B.Braun</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Rompun 2%</td>
			<td>Bayer</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Xylazine</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Round Handled Needle Holders</td>
			<td>F.S.T</td>
			<td>12075-12</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Round Handled Needle Holders</td>
			<td>F.S.T</td>
			<td>12075-12</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>S&#38;T Vessel Dilating Forceps - Angled 45&#176;</td>
			<td>F.S.T</td>
			<td>00276-13</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sacryl Naht</td>
			<td>KRUUSE</td>
			<td>152575</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Scapel No 10</td>
			<td>Swann Morton</td>
			<td>201</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Small Histo-Container</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Any small histo-container works fine-for coldstorage of the graft</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Small Plastik Bags</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Any transparant plastic bags are fine</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Steril Cotton swab</td>
			<td>Lohmann-Rauscher</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Any steril cotton swab is fine</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sterile Gauze</td>
			<td>Lohmann-Rauscher</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Any steril gauze is fine</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Straight Scissor 8mm</td>
			<td>F.S.T</td>
			<td>15024-10</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Surgical microscope &#8211; SZX9</td>
			<td>Olympus</td>
			<td>OLY-SZX9-B</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sutter Non Stick GLISS 0.4 mm</td>
			<td>Sutter</td>
			<td>78 01 69 SLS</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Suture Tying Forceps&#160;</td>
			<td>F.S.T</td>
			<td>00272-13</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>ThermoLux warming mat</td>
			<td>ThermoLux</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tissue Forceps for Skin</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Any tissue forceps are fine</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vesseldilatator Forceps</td>
			<td>F.S.T</td>
			<td>00125-11</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vicryl&#160; plus 4/0</td>
			<td>Ethicon</td>
			<td>VCP292H</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

surgical approach, challenges, and resolutions for uterus transplantation in rats

Uterine transplantation (UTx) is a new approach for treating women with absolute uterine factor infertility (AUFI). An estimated 3%-5% of women suffer from AUFI. These women were deprived of the option to have children until the advent of UTx. The clinical application of UTx was driven by experimental studies in animals, and the first successful UTx was achieved in rats. Given their physiological, immunological, genetic, and reproductive characteristics, rats are a suitable model system for such transplants. In particular, their short gestation period is a clear advantage, as the usual endpoint of experimental UTx is successful pregnancy with live birth. The biggest challenge for rat models remains the small anatomy, which requires advanced microsurgical skills and experience. Although UTx has led to pregnancy in the clinic, the procedure is not established and requires continuous experimental optimization. Here, a detailed protocol is presented, including essential troubleshooting for rat UTx, which is expected to make the entire procedure easier to grasp for those without experience in this type of microsurgery.

Results from two groups of rats are presented. UTx was carried out before (group 1, n = 8) and after (group 2, n = 8) protocol adjustment (Table 1)&#160;to demonstrate the effects of our modifications (please see the Discussion for an explanation of our modifications)12,15,21.
The outcome of rat UTx is associated with three key phases. The first phase is successful re...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Surgical Approach, Challenges, and Resolutions for Uterus Transplantation in Rats at JoVE.com

Surgical Approach, Challenges, and Resolutions for Uterus Transplantation in Rats

The present protocol describes all the essential steps for successful uterine transplantation (UTx) in rats. The rat model has proven suitable to promote the clinical implementation of UTx; however, rat UTx is a highly complex procedure requiring careful instructions.

Uterine transplantation (UTx) is a new approach for treating women with absolute uterine factor infertility (AUFI). An estimated 3%-5% of women suffer ...

Right uterus transplantation belongs to one of the most complex microsurgical procedures mastered by only a few. Our protocol shifts right uterus transplantation from a experimental stage to an applicable methodology. Our protocol leads to a high rate of live births post uterus transplantation.It soon will promote the application of right uterus transplantation for actual research. Patience and stamina are key traits during the whole procedure. After performing a median laparotomy, on an anesthetized rat, harvest the right uterine horn with the common uterine cavity and cervix along with vascular pedicles.Cauterize the wound and ligate the left uterus horn with a 4-0 polygalactin suture. Now sever the left uterine horn adjacent to the branching from the common uterine cavity. Separate the cervical and vaginal portion of the future graft from the rectal attachment.Separate the future graft from the paravaginal and paracervical ligaments. Using diathermy, dissect the vagina around two to three millimeters caudal of the cervix. Locate the uterine artery and veins at their origins.Ligate all vessels caudal of the uterine vessels with 8-0 polyamide place. Place 8-0 polyamide ligatures directly around the right common iliac artery and vein proximal to the aortic and caval bifurcations. Make a 0.5 to one millimeter long incision into the right common iliac artery directly adjacent to the bifurcation.Insert a blunt straight 25 gauge needle into the lumen to flush it out. Secure the needle with a 6-0 polyamide ligature. To enable outflow during flushing, dissect the common iliac vein caudal to the ligature at the right common iliac vein.Using a three milliliter syringe, flush the uterus with cold Ringer's solution, followed by organ preservation solution both supplemented with heparin and xylazine. Cut the common iliac artery caudal of the ligature at the abdominal aortic bifurcation. Then using blunt dissection, sever the common iliac vessels from the aorta vena cava bifurcation at the division of the uterine vessels.And remove the transplant when the uterine tissue turns pale. Place the transplant into the cold organ preservation solution to facilitate back table preparation and storage before transplantation. After placing the graft in the abdominal cavity and positioning the graft vein, place one 10-0 polyamide stay suture into the cranial corner and one loose suture into the caudal corner of the slit on the right common iliac vein.Anastomose one side of the graft vein into the recipient's vein using six to eight loops of a continuous suture. Similarly, anastomose the other side of the vessel starting from the outside. Then using 10-0 polyamide, tie one knot at the cranial stay suture and another knot at the caudal stay suture.Perform arterial anastomosis using 10-0 polyamide interrupted sutures at the right common iliac arteria with eight to 10 loops. To begin graft perfusion, when the sites appear patent, release the vascular clamps on the graft vessels and check the graft for signs of reperfusion. Connect the vaginal cuff of the transplant to the vaginal vault using six to seven 6-0 polygalactin interrupted sutures.Using five to seven polyamide 7-0 interrupted sutures, anastomose the graph uterine horn end to end to the remaining recipient cranial uterine segment. Monitor the rat post operation. Post uterine transplantation, two Group 1 rats displayed signs of pregnancy.However, examination revealed dilated uterus, suggesting that the pups developed normally, but the rats failed to deliver the pups. Histological examination in the fetuses showed that the pups developed up to parturition. Five Group 2 rats displayed pregnancy with three giving birth to pups.The Lewis female gave birth twice. All pups in the first litter survived while only two of the three pups from the second litter survived. The brown Norway female also gave birth twice and all surviving pups displayed normal development.The protocol adaptation improved both direct surgical outcomes and the rate of live births following uterine transplantation. It increased the two-week graft survival rate from 50%in Group 1 to 75%in Group 2. It is important to keep the suture knot at the caudal corner loose for better adjustment and to prevent pursed string effects.Right uterus transplantation is particularly suited to assess pre-transplant approaches that may improve uterus transplantation outcomes such as ex vivo hypodermic organ perfusion or other techniques for the mitigation of organ injury. In general, uterus transplantation in animals has been and is a must to introduce to establish uterus transplantation in the clinic.

surgical-approach-challenges-resolutions-for-uterus-transplantation

Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

Orthotopic Small Bowel Transplantation in Rats

Small bowel transplantation has become an accepted clinical option for patients with short gut syndrome and failure of parenteral nutrition (irreversible intestinal failure). In specialized centers improved operative and managing strategies have led to excellent short- and intermediate term patient and graft survival while providing high quality of life 1,3. Unlike in the more common transplantation of other solid organs (i.e. heart, liver) many underlying mechanisms of graft function and immunologic alterations induced by intestinal transplantation are not entirely known6,7. Episodes of acute rejection, sepsis and chronic graft failure are the main obstacles still contributing to less favorable long term outcome and hindering a more widespread employment of the procedure despite a growing number of patients on home parenteral nutrition who would potentially benefit from such a transplant. The small intestine contains a large number of passenger leucocytes commonly referred to as part of the gut associated lymphoid system (GALT) this being part of the reason for the high immunogenity of the intestinal graft. The presence and close proximity of many commensals and pathogens in the gut explains the severity of sepsis episodes once graft mucosal integrity is compromised (for example by rejection). To advance the field of intestinal- and multiorgan transplantation more data generated from reliable and feasible animal models is needed. The model provided herein combines both reliability and feasibility once established in a standardized manner and can provide valuable insight in the underlying complex molecular, cellular and functional mechanisms that are triggered by intestinal transplantation. We have successfully used and refined the described procedure over more than 5 years in our laboratory 8-11. The JoVE video-based format is especially useful to demonstrate the complex procedure and avoid initial pitfalls for groups planning to establish an orthotopic rodent model investigating intestinal transplantation.

Small bowel transplantation has become an accepted treatment option for patients with irreversible intestinal failure. Our experimental model of orthotopic small bowel transplantation in rats serves as a reliable tool to address underlying immunologic and inflammatory processes that complicate intestinal transplantation.

Small  bowel transplantation has become an accepted clinical option for patients with  short gut syndrome and failure of parenteral nutrition ...

Orthotopic Liver Transplantation in Rats

Clinical progress in the field of liver transplantation has been largely supported by animal models1,2. Since the publication of the first orthotopic rat liver transplantation in 1979 by Kamada et al.3, this model has remained the gold standard despite various proposed alternative techniques4. Nevertheless, its broader use is limited by its steep learning curve5.
In this video paper, we show a simple and easy-to-establish revision of Kamada's two-cuff technique. The suprahepatic vena cava anastomosis is performed manually with a running suture, and the vena porta and infrahepatic vena cava anastomoses are performed utilizing a quick-linker cuff system6. Manufacturing the quick-linker kit is shown in a separate video paper.

We present an easy-to-establish revision of the classical two-cuff technique for orthotopic liver transplantation in rat.

Clinical progress in the field of liver transplantation has been largely supported by animal models1,2. Since the publication of the first orthotopic rat ...

A Novel Surgical Approach for Intratracheal Administration of Bioactive Agents in a Fetal Mouse Model

Prenatal pulmonary delivery of cells, genes or pharmacologic agents could provide the basis for new therapeutic strategies for a variety of genetic and acquired diseases. Apart from congenital or inherited abnormalities with the requirement for long-term expression of the delivered gene, several non-inherited perinatal conditions, where short-term gene expression or pharmacological intervention is sufficient to achieve therapeutic effects, are considered as potential future indications for this kind of approach. Candidate diseases for the application of short-term prenatal therapy could be the transient neonatal deficiency of surfactant protein B causing neonatal respiratory distress syndrome1,2 or hyperoxic injuries of the neonatal lung3. Candidate diseases for permanent therapeutic correction are Cystic Fibrosis (CF)4, genetic variants of surfactant deficiencies5 and &alpha;1-antitrypsin deficiency6.
Generally, an important advantage of prenatal gene therapy is the ability to start therapeutic intervention early in development, at or even prior to clinical manifestations in the patient, thus preventing irreparable damage to the individual. In addition, fetal organs have an increased cell proliferation rate as compared to adult organs, which could allow a more efficient gene or stem cell transfer into the fetus. Furthermore, in utero gene delivery is performed when the individual's immune system is not completely mature. Therefore, transplantation of heterologous cells or supplementation of a non-functional or absent protein with a correct version should not cause immune sensitization to the cell, vector or transgene product, which has recently been proven to be the case with both cellular and genetic therapies7.
In the present study, we investigated the potential to directly target the fetal trachea in a mouse model. This procedure is in use in larger animal models such as rabbits and sheep8, and even in a clinical setting9, but has to date not been performed before in a mouse model. When studying the potential of fetal gene therapy for genetic diseases such as CF, the mouse model is very useful as a first proof-of-concept because of the wide availability of different transgenic mouse strains, the well documented embryogenesis and fetal development, less stringent ethical regulations, short gestation and the large litter size.
Different access routes have been described to target the fetal rodent lung, including intra-amniotic injection10-12, (ultrasound-guided) intrapulmonary injection13,14 and intravenous administration into the yolk sac vessels15,16 or umbilical vein17. Our novel surgical procedure enables researchers to inject the agent of choice directly into the fetal mouse trachea which allows for a more efficient delivery to the airways than existing techniques18.

We developed a novel surgical approach for intratracheal administration of bioactive agents into the mouse fetus. The delivery route is more efficient in targeting the fetal mouse lungs than the commonly used intra-amniotic injection. This procedure has to date not been described in a mouse model.

Prenatal pulmonary delivery of cells, genes or pharmacologic agents could provide the basis for new therapeutic strategies for a variety of genetic and ...

Transplantation of Pulmonary Valve Using a Mouse Model of Heterotopic Heart Transplantation

Tissue engineered heart valves, especially decellularized valves, are starting to gain momentum in clinical use of reconstructive surgery with mixed results. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the neotissue development, valve thickening, and stenosis development are not researched extensively. To answer the above questions, we developed a murine heterotopic heart valve transplantation model. A heart valve was harvested from a valve donor mouse and transplanted to a heart donor mouse. The heart with a new valve was transplanted heterotopically to a recipient mouse. The transplanted heart showed its own heartbeat, independent of the recipient&#8217;s heartbeat. The blood flow was quantified using a high frequency ultrasound system with a pulsed wave Doppler. The flow through the implanted pulmonary valve showed forward flow with minimal regurgitation and the peak flow was close to 100 mm/sec. This murine model of heart valve transplantation is highly versatile, so it can be modified and adapted to provide different hemodynamic environments and/or can be used with various transgenic mice to study neotissue development in a tissue engineered heart valve.

In order to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neotissue formation and stenosis development in tissue engineered heart valves, a murine model of heterotopic heart valve transplantation was developed. A pulmonary heart valve was transplanted to recipient using the heterotopic heart transplantation technique.

Tissue engineered heart valves, especially decellularized valves, are starting to gain momentum in clinical use of reconstructive surgery with mixed ...

Ex Situ Normothermic Machine Perfusion of Donor Livers

In contrast to conventional static cold preservation (0-4 &#176;C), ex situ machine perfusion may provide better preservation of donor livers. Continuous perfusion of organs provides the opportunity to improve organ quality and allows ex situ viability assessment of donor livers prior to transplantation. This video article provides a step by step protocol for ex situ normothermic machine perfusion (37 &#176;C) of human donor livers using a device that provides a pressure and temperature controlled pulsatile perfusion of the hepatic artery and continuous perfusion of the portal vein. The perfusion fluid is oxygenated by two hollow fiber membrane oxygenators and the temperature can be regulated between 10 &#176;C and 37 &#176;C. During perfusion, the metabolic activity of the liver as well as the degree of injury can be assessed by biochemical analysis of samples taken from the perfusion fluid. Machine perfusion is a very promising tool to increase the number of livers that are suitable for transplantation.

Ex Situ Normothermic Machine Perfusion of Donor Livers

Here we present a protocol describing oxygenated ex situ machine perfusion of donor liver grafts. This article contains a step by step protocol to procure and prepare the liver graft for machine perfusion, prepare the perfusion fluid, prime the perfusion machine and perform oxygenated normothermic machine perfusion of the liver graft.

In contrast to conventional static cold preservation (0-4 &#176;C), ex situ machine perfusion may provide better preservation of donor livers. Continuous ...

Surgical Approach for Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion and Reperfusion Induced Stroke in Mice

Stroke is a leading cause of death worldwide and continues to be one of the major causes of long-term adult disabilities. About 87% of strokes are ischemic in origin and occur in the territory of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). Currently the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drug for the treatment of this devastating disease is tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). However, tPA has a small therapeutic window for administration (3 - 6 hr), and is only effective in 4% of the patients who actually receive it. Current research focuses on understanding the pathophysiology of stroke in order to find potential therapeutic targets. Thus, reliable models are crucial, and the MCA occlusion (MCAo) model (also termed the intraluminal filament or suture model) is deemed to be the most clinically relevant surgical model of ischemic stroke, and is fairly non-invasive and easily reproducible. Typically the MCAo model is used with rodents, especially with mice due to all the genetic variations available for this species. Here we describe (and present in the video) how to successfully perform the MCAo model (with reperfusion) in mice to generate reliable and reproducible data.

In order to understand the pathophysiology of stroke, it is important to use reliable models. This paper will describe one of the most frequently used stroke models in mice, termed the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) model (also termed the intraluminal filament or suture model) with reperfusion.

Stroke is a leading cause of death worldwide and continues to be one of the major causes of long-term adult disabilities. About 87% of strokes are ...

Designing CAD/CAM Surgical Guides for Maxillary Reconstruction Using an In-house Approach

Computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufacturing (CAD/CAM) is now being evaluated as a preparative technique for maxillofacial surgery. Because this technique is expensive and available in only limited areas of the world, we developed a novel CAD/CAM surgical guide using an in-house approach. By using the CAD software, the maxillary resection area and cutting planes and the fibular cutting planes and angles are determined. Once the resection area is decided, the necessary faces are extracted using a Boolean modifier. These superficial faces are united to fit the surface of the bones and thickened to stabilize the solids. Not only the cutting guides for the fibula and maxilla but also the location arrangement of the transferred bone segments is defined by thickening the superficial faces. The CAD design is recorded as .stl files and three-dimensionally (3-D) printed as actual surgical guides. To check the accuracy of the guides, model surgery using 3-D-printed facial and fibular models is performed. These methods may be used to assist surgeons where commercial guides are not available.

Methods for designing a computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) surgical guide are shown. Cutting planes are separated, united, and thickened to easily visualize the necessary bone transfer. These designs can be three-dimensional printed and checked for accuracy.

Computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufacturing (CAD/CAM) is now being evaluated as a preparative technique for maxillofacial surgery. Because this ...

Lentiviral Vector-mediated Gene Therapy of Hepatocytes Ex Vivo for Autologous Transplantation in Swine

Gene therapy is an ideal choice to cure many inborn errors of metabolism of the liver. Ex-vivo, lentiviral vectors have been used successfully in the treatment of many hematopoietic diseases in humans, as their use offers stable transgene expression due to the vector&#39;s ability to integrate into the host genome. This method demonstrates the application of ex vivo gene therapy of hepatocytes to a large animal model of hereditary tyrosinemia type I. This process consists of 1) isolation of primary hepatocytes from the autologous donor/recipient animal, 2) ex vivo gene delivery via hepatocyte transduction with a lentiviral vector, and 3) autologous transplant of corrected hepatocytes via portal vein injection. Success of the method generally relies upon efficient and sterile removal of the liver resection, careful handling of the excised specimen for isolation of viable hepatocytes sufficient for re-engrafting, high-percentage transduction of the isolated cells, and aseptic surgical procedures throughout to prevent infection. Technical failure at any of these steps will result in low yield of viable transduced hepatocytes for autologous transplant or infection of the donor/recipient animal. The pig model of human type 1 hereditary tyrosinemia (HT-1) chosen for this approach is uniquely amenable to such a method, as even a small percentage of engraftment of corrected cells will lead to repopulation of the liver with healthy cells based on a powerful selective advantage over native-diseased hepatocytes. Although this growth selection will not be true for all indications, this approach is a foundation for expansion into other indications and allows for manipulation of this environment to address additional diseases, both within the liver and beyond, while controlling for exposure to viral vector and opportunity for off-target toxicity and tumorigenicity.

Lentiviral Vector-mediated Gene Therapy of Hepatocytes Ex Vivo for Autologous Transplantation in Swine

This protocol is intended to describe porcine hepatocyte isolation and ex vivo gene delivery to cure models of metabolic diseases via autologous cell transplantation. Although this particular model enjoys unique advantages that favor successful therapy, the application is a relevant foundation to address additional diseases and indications.

Gene therapy is an ideal choice to cure many inborn errors of metabolism of the liver. Ex-vivo, lentiviral vectors have been used successfully in the ...

Orthotopic Rat Kidney Transplantation: A Novel and Simplified Surgical Approach

Kidney transplantation offers increased survival rates and improved quality of life for patients with end-stage renal disease, as compared to any type of renal replacement therapy. Over the past few decades, the rat kidney transplantation model has been used to study the immunological phenomena of rejection and tolerance. This model has become an indispensable tool to test new immunomodulatory pharmaceuticals and regimens prior to proceeding with expensive preclinical large animal studies.
This protocol provides a detailed overview of how to reliably perform orthotopic kidney transplantation in rats. This protocol includes three distinctive steps that increase the probability of success: perfusion of the donor kidney by flushing through the portal vein and the use of a cuff system to anastomose the renal veins and ureters, thereby decreasing cold and warm ischemia times. Using this technique, we have achieved survival rates beyond 6 months with normal serum creatinine in animals with syngeneic or tolerant kidney transplants. Depending on the aim of the study, this model can be modified by pre- or posttransplant treatments to study the acute, chronic, cellular, or antibody-mediated rejection. It is a reproducible, reliable, and cost-effective animal model to study different aspects of kidney transplantation.

The purpose of this manuscript and protocol is to explain and demonstrate in detail the surgical procedure of orthotopic kidney transplantation in rats. This method is simplified to achieve the correct perfusion of the donor kidney and shorten the reperfusion time by using the venous and ureteral cuff anastomosis technique.

Kidney transplantation offers increased survival rates and improved quality of life for patients with end-stage renal disease, as compared to any type of ...

Left Lung Orthotopic Transplantation in a Juvenile Porcine Model for ESLP

Lung transplantation is the gold-standard treatment for end-stage lung disease, with over 4,600 lung transplantations performed worldwide annually. However, lung transplantation is limited by a shortage of available donor organs. As such, there is high waitlist mortality. Ex situ lung perfusion (ESLP) has increased donor lung utilization rates in some centers by 15%-20%. ESLP has been applied as a method to assess and recondition marginal donor lungs and has demonstrated acceptable short- and long-term outcomes following transplantation of extended criteria donor (ECD) lungs. Large animal (in vivo) transplantation models are required to validate ongoing in vitro research findings. Anatomic and physiologic differences between humans and pigs pose significant technical and anesthetic challenges. An easily reproducible transplant model would permit the&#160;in vivo&#160;validation of current ESLP strategies and the preclinical evaluation of various interventions designed to improve donor lung function. This protocol describes a porcine model of orthotopic left lung allotransplantation. This includes anesthetic and surgical techniques, a customized surgical checklist, troubleshooting, modifications, and the benefits and limitations of the approach.

This protocol describes a juvenile porcine model of orthotopic left lung allotransplantation designed for use with ESLP research. Focus is made on anesthetic and surgical techniques, as well as critical steps and troubleshooting.

Lung transplantation is the gold-standard treatment for end-stage lung disease, with over 4,600 lung transplantations performed worldwide annually. ...