Rat VCA Heterotopic Hindlimb Model of Rejection and Vasculopathy in the Presence of Maintenance Immunosuppression
Abstract
Vascularized composite allograft (VCA) is an emerging medical field that has advanced rapidly over the past two decades, following advances in microsurgery and immunosuppressive therapy. Since VCA is a relatively new field, our knowledge regarding long term outcomes and potential complications is limited. Although VCA is regarded as a success in improvement of quality of life for patients with severe facial or hand injuries, we are far from understanding the biological processes involved in graft acceptance. While acute rejection episodes respond well to standard immunosuppression, chronic rejection and especially vasculopathy remains an unsolved problem. Two hand recipients in our clinical program have suffered graft loss due to ischemic vasculopathy. Frequently there are no clinical signs to suggest that vasculopathy is advancing, making diagnosis and treatment even more complex. The purpose of this study was to develop an adaptable rat model of VCA which, with carefully titrated immunosuppression, mimics acute rejection, chronic rejection, and vasculopathy as seen in a clinical setting.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2019
- Source ID
- 10.1096/fasebj.2019.33.1_supplement.828.8
Entities
People
- Amanda J. LeBlanc
- Christina L. Kaufman
- James B. Hoying
- Jason E Beare
- Robert M. Reed
- Stuart K Williams
- Yoram Fleissig
Organizations
- United States Department of Defense
- University of Louisville