A new vascularized adrenal transplantation model in the rat

A new microsurgical model of adrenal transplantation in the rat is describe d. An adrenal graft with its vascular supply, adrenal artery and vein, and the attachment of a segment of aorta and inferior vena cava (IVC) was trans planted to a recipient rat with end-to-side anastomoses between the donor I VC segment and the recipient IVC and between the donor aortic segment and t he recipient aorta using 10-0 nylon sutures. Using this model, different gr oups of recipient rats received iso- or allograft with or without immunosup pressive treatment were tested. This model provides a reliable and useful t ool for research on endocrinology. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.