IMPROVED TECHNIQUE OF HETEROTOPIC CERVICAL HEART-TRANSPLANTATION IN MICE

Background. The method for mouse vascularized heart transplantation ha ve been described using suture and cuff techniques. Technical problems have limited its widespread use. Here, we describe our method of modi fied cervical heterotopic transplantation with the cuff technique. Met hods. By using a smaller Teflon cuff (external diameter 0.6 mm, intern al diameter 0.4 mm) and superfine-tip forceps, it became possible to d irectly pull the edge of the carotid artery and evert the proximal end of the artery over the cuff. Similarly, the external jugular vein cou ld be easily everted over a 22-gauge cuff with this direct pulling met hod. Results. By these modifications, the operation time was reduced. It usually takes 20 min for the donor harvest, 15 min for preparation of the cervical vessels, and 15 min for anastomosis. All procedures fr om the donor harvest through skin closure of the recipient mice can be completed within 1 hr, and ischemic time is within 25-40 min. Conclus ions. This method can be used to investigate cyclophosphamide-induced tolerance and mechanisms of reperfusion injury.