HAMSTER-TO-RAT KIDNEY-TRANSPLANTATION - TECHNIQUE, FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMEAND COMPLICATIONS

Hamster to rat kidney transplantation has only recently been introduce d as model of concordant xenografting. The kidney model offers unique possibilities for studying both immunological and functional aspects o f xenografts as opposed to the widely used heterotopic heart model. Th is article provides a detailed description of surgical technique as we ll as data on functional outcome and complications. The renal artery w ith a small segment of the aorta is sutured end-to-side to the abdomin al aorta of the recipient, and the renal vein is anastomosed end-to-si de to the inferior vena cava. The urinary system is reconstructed by b ladder-to-bladder anastomosis. Xenografts will maintain close to norma l serum-creatinine levels for 2-3 days, after which they are rejected. Complications occurred in 22% of xenografts. Postrenal obstruction du e to severe hematuria or ureter stenosis was the most frequent problem encountered.