Previous papers have shown surgical neoangiogenesis to allow long-term bone allotransplant survival without immunosuppression. Whole joint composite tissue allotransplants (CTA) might be treated similarly. A novel rat knee CTA model is described for further study of the roles of neoangiogensis in joint allotransplant survival and adjustment of immunosuppression.Microvascular knee CTA was performed in 9 rats across a major histocompatibility barrier with both pedicle repair and implantation of host-derived arteriovenous (‘a/v’) bundles. In the control group (N=3), the pedicle was ligated. Immunosuppression was given daily. Joint mobility, weight-bearing, pedicle patency, bone blood flow and sprouting from a/v bundles were assessed at three weeks.All but the non-revascularized control knees had full passive motion and full weight bearing. One nutrient pedicle thrombosed prematurely. Blood flow was measurable in transplants with patent nutrient pedicles. Implanted a/v bundles produced new vascular networks on angiography.This new rat microsurgical model permits further study of joint allotransplantation. Patency of both pedicles and implanted a/v bundles was maintained, laying a foundation for future studies.
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