ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To establish appropriate animal models for observing the effects of X-ray irradiation on limb allograft rejection. METHODS: Wistar rats were used as donators and SD rats as recipients, the latter divided into 2 groups, namely irradiation group and non-irradiation group according to pretransplant treatment with or without X-ray radiation (5 Gy) on the part of the donators. The donor limbs were transplanted into SD rats who had their own limbs cut off, and the sciatic nerve, femoral nerve, and femoral artery and femoral vein were anastomosed in operation. After the operation, all the recipients were given benzathine benzylpenicillin, and their vital signs, together with changes of the allografts, observed. RESULTS: A total of 16 rats received transplantation that was successful in 6 rats of non-radiation group and 7 of irradiation group. The graft survival averaged 12.0+/-2.4 d in non-irradiation group and 24.7+/-8.1 d in irradiation group, showing significant difference in the lengths of survival between the 2 groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The graft survival time in rats can be significantly prolonged by pretransplant irradiation of the allograft, which also help control acute rejection of the allograft.
