Description and evaluation of experimental models for uterine transplantation in pigs

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the technique of uterine transplantation and the use of drugs used in the process of immunosuppression. Methods: We included 12 sows, and immunosuppression was performed with minimal doses of cyclosporine, and cross-match was done to exclude the possibility of blood incompatibility. Hysterectomy was performed in the donor under general anesthesia, with the removal of the aorta and inferior vena cava in monobloc, and anastomosis of these vessels was made in the recipient. Results: Six experiments were performed, and on the immediate postoperative period, five animals had good reperfusion. However, on the seventh postoperative day, histological analysis showed rejection in five animals. Conclusion: The experimental model of uterine transplantation is feasible, but monitoring doses of immunosuppressants is pivotal to prevent rejection episodes.摘要 目的：评估子宫移植（uterine transplantation）技术及其免疫抑制过程中所用药物的应用效果。方法：本研究纳入12头母猪，以最小剂量环孢素（cyclosporine）实施免疫抑制，并开展交叉配血试验（cross-match）以排除血液不相容的可能性。供体在全身麻醉（general anesthesia）下接受子宫切除术（hysterectomy），整块切除主动脉（aorta）与下腔静脉（inferior vena cava），随后在受体体内完成上述血管的吻合术（anastomosis）。结果：共计完成6项实验，术后即刻有5头动物实现良好的血流再灌注。然而术后第7天的组织学分析（histological analysis）显示，5头动物均出现排斥反应（rejection）。结论：子宫移植实验模型具备可行性，但监测免疫抑制剂（immunosuppressants）剂量对于预防排斥反应发作至关重要。