Establishment of orthotopic liver transplantation model in cirrhosis rats and observation of postoperative of allografts rejection

Objective To establish a model of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in the rats with cirrhosis and observe the occurrence of postoperative rejection. Methods The cirrhosis model was established in SD or BN rats by subcutaneous injection of 50% carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). OLTs were performed in normal or cirrhosis rats (isotranplantation in SD→SD rats and homotransplantation in Lewis→BN rats) based on modified two-cuff technique. Histopathological changes and the postoperative survival time of the liver grafts were observed. Results The portal venous pressure (PVP) in cirrhosis rats was significantly higher than in normal rats (182. 0 ± 10. 7 mmH2O vs. 70. 8 ± 5. 5 mmH2O,P＜0. 01) ,and decreased on the 7th day after OLT (82. 7 ± 10. 7 mmH2O). The moderate or severe rejection of allografts was detected within 5-12 days after OLT in homotransplantation rats. The post-OLTs median survival time (MST) was more than 100 days in isotranplantation SD rats and 10 days in homotransplantation BN rats, respectatively. Conclusion In the liver transplantation model with Lewis rats as donors and BN rats as recipients, the incidence of postoperative rejection is high.The model can be effectively used to study allograft rejection or immune tolerance. Key words: Liver cirrhosis,experimental; Liver transplantation; Rats; Graft rejection