Experimental study on series reduced-size liver transplantations with rejection in rats

Objective To establish a stable model of reduced-size liver transplantations with rejection in rats. Methods Inbred adult male Lewis rats (weighing 220-250 g, 8-10 weeks old) served as donors in liver transplantation, and inbred adult male Brown Norway (BN) rats (weighing 220-250 g, 8-10 weeks old) served as recipients. Orthotopic group, 50% reduced-size liver transplantation rejection group (50% group) and 30% reduced-size liver transplantation rejection group (30% group) were developed. The 1-, 3-, 7- and 14-survival rate was observed. Besides, the levels of ALT, AST and TBIL in the peripheral blood plasma were determined. The liver tissues were obtained, and HE staining was used to examine the pathological changes and rejection severity of the liver specimens. Results No significant difference in the operation-related indicators was found among the three groups. The 1-, 3-, 7- and 14-day survival rate in orthotopic group was as follows: 91.20%, 86.50%, 81.10% and 75.70%; 85.00%, 80.00%, 62.50% and 45.00%; 65.00%, 50.00%, 35.00% and 17.50%, respectively. The 1-, 3-, 7- and 14-survival rate in 30% group was significantly lower than in other groups (P 0.05). The ALT, AST and TBIL levels were significantly higher in 30% group than in control group at all time points (P 0.05). All groups were the models of liver transplantations with rejection in rats, and rejection activity index score was increased with time delay. Conclusion Lewis→BN rats are chosen to establish liver transplant rejection model, and by comparing the survival rate and pathological changes among the groups, finally 50% group is selected to be the model for a follow-up study. Key words: Liver transplantation; Rejection; Rats