DOUBLE-LUNG TRANSPLANTATION IN THE RAT - AN ACUTE, SYNGENEIC IN-SITU MODEL

Background. The high rate of reperfusion injury in clinical lung trans plantation mandates significant improvements in lung preservation. Inn ovations should be validated using standardized and low-cost experimen tal models. Methods. The model introduced here is analyzed by comparin g global lung function after varying ischemic times (2, 4, 8, 16, and 24 hours). A rat double-lung block is flush-perfused, and the main pul monary artery and left atrium are connected to the left pulmonary arte ry and vein of a syngeneic recipient using a T-shaped stent. With pres sure side ports and incorporated flow crystals, measurement of vascula r resistance and graft oxygenation can be performed. The transplant is ventilated separately, and compliance and resistance are determined. Results. The increase in the ischemic interval from 2 to 24 hours caus ed an increase in the alveolar arterial oxygen difference from 220 +/- 20 to 600 +/- 34 mm Hg, pulmonary vascular resistance from 198 +/- 76 to 638 +/- 212 mm Hg . mL(-1) . min(-1), and resistance to airflow fr om 274 +/- 50 to 712 +/- 30 cm H2O/L H2O, and a decrease in pulmonary compliance from 0.4 +/- 0.05 to 0.12 +/- 0.06 mL/cm H2O. Conclusions. This in situ, syngeneic rat lung transplantation model offers an alter native to large animal models for verification of lung preservation so lutions and for modification of donor or recipient treatment regimens.