A Simple Cuff Technique for Murine Left Lung Transplantation

Summary

The present protocol describes a cuff technique for a mouse left lung transplantation model. This technique has been developed over several years and has performed well, serving effectively in immunological research.

Abstract

Over the past decade, our laboratory has made significant progress in developing and refining vascularized mouse lung transplantation models using an efficient and highly reliable "cuff technique" of transplantation. This article describes a sophisticated and comprehensive method for orthotopic lung transplantation in a vascularized orthotopic lung model, representing the most physiologic and clinically relevant model of mouse lung transplantation to date. The transplantation process consists of two distinct stages: donor harvest and subsequent implantation into the recipient. The method has been successfully mastered, and with several months of sufficient training, a skilled practitioner can perform the procedure in approximately 90 min from skin-to-skin. Surprisingly, once individuals overcome the initial learning curve, the survival rate during the perioperative period approaches nearly 100%. The mouse model allows for the use of multiple commercially available transgenic and mutant strains of mice, enabling the study of tolerance and rejection. Additionally, the unique features of this model make it a valuable tool for investigating tumor biology and immunology.

Introduction

While replacement therapies, such as dialysis and ventricular assist devices, exist for those with renal and heart failure, lung transplantation remains the primary treatment option for patients suffering from end-stage pulmonary disease. This procedure serves as the sole life-saving choice for individuals diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis¹. Additionally, it is employed to extend the lifespan of those facing end-stage obstructive lung diseases like emphysema, as well as those with suppurative conditions such as cystic fibrosis¹.

While short-term survival rates have improved due to technical re....

Protocol

All animal-related procedures were conducted in accordance with and received approval from the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee at The University of Maryland, Baltimore. It is recommended to use male, 8-12 weeks (20-25 g), BALB/c mice as the donor and C57BL/6 mice as the recipient. The animals were obtained from a commercial source (see Table of Materials).

1. Preparation of bronchial and vascular cuffs

Timing: 10 min (for .......

Discussion

The cuff technique for murine left lung transplantation represents a significant advancement in transplantation research^10,11. Critical steps include precise and meticulous hilar structure dissection and secure anastomoses. Modifications can be made to suit experimental needs, but a learning curve is involved. Our group has modified the recipient mouse position from posterior to anterior, gaining a better hilum view by bending the recipient mouse, which shortens .......

Materials

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
10-0 Nylon suture	Surgical Specialties Corporation, Reading PA	AK-0106
2 Dumont #5 forceps	Fine Science Tools Inc., Foster City, CA	11251-20
2 Halsted-Mosquito clamp curved tip	Fine Science Tools Inc., Foster City, CA	91309-12
6-0 braided silk suture	Henry Schein Inc., Melville, NY,	100-5597
6-0 Polydioxanone PDS II suture and	Ethicon Inc., Somerville, NJ.	Z117H
70% Ethanol	Pharmco Products Inc., Brookfield, CT	111000140
Adson forceps	Fine Science Tools Inc., Foster City, CA	91127-12
Balb/c mice	Jackson Laboratories, Bar Harbor, Maine, USA	000651	8–12 weeks; Male
Bipolar coagulator	Valleylab Inc., Boulder, CO	SurgII-20, E6008/E6008B
C57BL/6 mice	Jackson Laboratories, Bar Harbor, Maine, USA	000664	8–12 weeks; Male
Clear chlorhexidine	Hibiclens, Mölnlycke Health Care US, LLC, Norcross, GA	57591
Electrocautery	Bovie
Fine vannas style spring scissors	Fine Science Tools Inc., Foster City, CA	15000-03
Halsey needle holder	Fine Science Tools Inc., Foster City, CA	91201-13
Harvard Apparatus Mouse Ventilator VentElite	Harvard Apparatus, Holliston, MA	55-7040	settings 3L O2/minute, respiratory rate 130 bpm, 0.4 cc tidal volume
Heparin solution	Abraxis Pharmaceutical Products, Schaumburg, IL	504031	100 U/mL
Injection grade normal saline	Hospira Inc., Lake Forest, IL	NDC 0409-4888-20
Ketamine	VetOne, Boise, ID	501072	50 mg/kg
Konig Mixter Micro Pediatric Forceps Right-Angled Jaws	Medline, Northfield, IL,	MDS1247714	Extra Fine, Overall Length 5 1/2" (14cm)
Medline High Temperature Cautery,W/ Fine Tip	Leica Microsystems, Inc., Allendale, NJ	10 450 290
Microscope Leica M80 F12 Floor Stand	Fine Science Tools Inc., Foster City, CA	15396-00
Moria extra fine spring scissors	Parkland Scientific, Coral Springs, FL	V3000i
Ohio Isoflurane Vaporizer	Vitrolife Inc., Englewood, CO,	19001
Perfadex low-potassium dextran glucose solution	Becton Dickinson Labware, Franklin Lakes, NJ	353025	Electrolyte preservation solution
polystyrene petridishes	Fine Science Tools Inc., Foster City, CA	00632-11 and 00649-11	150 × 25 mm and 60 × 25 mm
S&T SuperGrip Forceps straight and angled tip	Fine Science Tools Inc., Foster City, CA	18200-20
Small animal retraction system	Puritan Medical Company LLC, Guilford, Maine	823-WC	tapered mini cotton tipped 3 inch applicators
sterile Q-tips	Terumo Medical Corporation, Elkton, MD	SROX2419Z
Surflo etfe IV Catheter, Yellow, 24 G x 0.75"	Terumo Medical Corporation, Elkton, MD	SROX1851Z
Surflo etfe IV Catheter; Green, 18 G x 2"	Terumo Medical Corporation, Elkton, MD	SROX2032Z
Surflo etfe IV Catheter; Pink, 20 G x 1.25"	Thermocare, Inc., Incline Village, NV
ThermoCare Small Animal ICU System,	A to Z Vet Supply, Dresden, TN	008679	10 mg/kg
Xylazine	Aesculap, Inc., Center Valley, PA,	FT480T
Yasargil Clip Applier	Aesculap, Inc., Center Valley, PA,	FT264T
Yasargil Temporary Aneurysm Clips	Medline, Northfield, IL,	ESCT001