Modified Heterotopic Hindlimb Osteomyocutaneous Flap Model in the Rat for Translational Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation ResearchYoram Fleissig 1, Robert M. Reed 2,3, Jason E. Beare 2,3, Amanda J. LeBlanc 2,4, Stuart K. Williams 2,4, Christina L. Kaufman 1, James B. Hoying 2,4
1Christine M. Kleinert Institute for Hand and Microsurgery, 2Cardiovascular Innovation Institute, University of Louisville, 3Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, 4Department of Physiology, University of Louisville
Vascularized composite allograft offers life-altering benefits to transplant recipients, but the biological causes of graft rejection and vasculopathy remain poorly understood. The rodent surgical model presented here offers a reproducible, clinically relevant model of transplantation, allowing researchers to evaluate rejection events and potential therapeutic strategies to prevent their occurrence.
