A novel rat microsurgical model to study the immunological characteristics of male genital tissue in the context of penile transplantation

Samuel A.J. Fidder, Georg J. Furtmüller, Andres Matoso, Joanna W. Etra, Kara Lombardo, Maria Chicco, Byoung Chol Oh, Dalibor Vasilic, Wei P.A. Lee, Richard J. Redett, Damon S. Cooney, Gerald Brandacher

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Penis transplantation represents an exciting new avenue for restoration of male genitalia and function after devastating tissue loss. This animal model is designed to fill a critical void to study immunologic aspects related to reconstructive transplantation of male genitalia. A rat penile graft dissection was designed based on the internal pudendal arteries and dorsal penile vein and includes the skin of the prepuce. A nonsuture cuff technique was used to anastomose the graft vessels to the recipient superficial epigastric and femoral vessels. Seventy-seven penile transplantations were performed. Graft design yields suitable caliber and length of vessels at the radix of the penis. Anastomosis of the dorsal penile vein and the internal pudendal arteries insures optimal graft perfusion. The nonsuture cuff technique allows for successful microvascular anastomosis by a single surgeon with an average overall operative time of 2.5 h. Long-term graft survival (>30 days) was observed in syngeneic transplants. We have established a robust murine model with ideal vascular perfusion of penile tissue to study the unique immunobiology of male genitourinary allotransplantation. Heterotopic inset further allows for visual monitoring of graft viability, while the native penis serves as an optimal control.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)796-805
Number of pages10
JournalTransplant International
Volume33
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1 2020
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • animal model
  • microsurgery
  • penile transplantation
  • rat
  • transplantation model
  • vascularized composite allotransplantation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Transplantation

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