A Modified Cuff Technique for Mouse Cervical Heterotopic Heart Transplantation Model

Cardiac allograft rejection limits the long-term survival of patients after heart transplantation. A mouse heart transplantation model is ideal for investigating the mechanism of cardiac allograft rejection in preclinical studies because of their high homology with human genes. This understanding would help develop unique approaches to improving patients' long-term survival treated with cardiac allografts. In a mouse model, abdominal donor heart implantation is commonly performed with an end-to-end anastomosis to the recipient's aorta and inferior vena cava using stitches. In this model, the donor's heart is implanted by end-to-end anastomosis to the recipient's carotid artery and jugular vein by the modified-Cuff technique. The transplantation surgery is performed without stitching and thus may increase the survival of the recipient since there is no interference with the blood supply and venous reflux of the lower body. This mouse model would help investigate the mechanisms underlying the immunological and pathological (acute/chronic) rejection of cardiac allografts.