Tunneled superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) myocutaneous/vascularized femur chimeric flaps: a model to study the role of vascularized bone marrow in composite allografts.

The role of vascularized bone marrow in promoting composite allograft survival can be assessed by intrinsically chimeric flaps. In this study, we introduce a significant modification to a previously described rat model of combined superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) myocutaneous/vascularized femur transplantation. We previously noted autocannibalization in orthotopic myocutaneous SIEA allotransplants, which complicated clinical and histologic evaluation of rejection. We therefore designed syngeneic experiments in eight Lewis (RTl(1) ) rat pairs to explore the feasibility of tunneling the SIEA component of chimeric SIEA myocutaneous/vascularized femur flaps to the recipient dorsum. Vascularized SIEA myocutaneous/femur transplants survived in their entirety to POD 63 study endpoint with patent anastomoses in seven of eight (87.5%) transplants as confirmed clinically, histologically, and via near-infrared fluorescent angiography. Tunneling of the SIEA component of SIEA myocutaneous/vascularized femur flaps to the recipient dorsum can be achieved with high success rate and acceptable operative times, and is a technically easy method to study the role of vascularized bone marrow in composite allografts. This modification facilitates SIEA component monitoring, removes it from constant contact with cage bedding, and places it in a location where autocannibalization is unlikely.

Mundinger GS ，Kelamis JA ，Kim SH ，Magarakis M ，Jones LS ，Ha JS ，Rodriguez ED ... -  《-》

Composite vascularized skin/bone graft model: a viable source for vascularized bone marrow transplantation.

In this study, we introduce a new model for vascularized skin and bone marrow transplantation. Twenty-five Lewis (RT1(1)) rats were studied. Anatomic dissection studies were performed in 5 animals. In the experimental group, 10 isograft transplantations were performed between Lewis rats. Combined groin skin and femoral bone flaps were transplanted based on the femoral artery and vein. Transplants were evaluated on a daily basis. All flaps survived without problems over 100 days posttransplant. The skin component remained pink and pliable, and grew new hair. Histological examination of the femoral bone (except the femoral head) revealed active hematopoiesis with a viable compact and cancellous bone components on day 100 posttransplant. This model can be applied to tolerance induction studies across the major Histocompatibility (MHC) barrier, where bone will serve as donor of stem and progenitor cells, and the skin flap will serve as a monitor of graft rejection.

Siemionow M ，Ulusal BG ，Ozmen S ，Ulusal AE ，Ozer K ... -  《-》

Composite vascularized skin/bone transplantation models for bone marrow-based tolerance studies.

Ozmen S ，Ulusal BG ，Ulusal AE ，Izycki D ，Siemionow M ... -  《ANNALS OF PLASTIC SURGERY》

Vascularized bone marrow transplantation: A new surgical approach using isolated femoral bone/bone marrow.

Orthotopic composite tissue (limb) transplantation in rats is a unique model for vascularized bone marrow transplantation because bone marrow cells and bone marrow stroma are transplanted by microsurgical means, thus creating immediate bone marrow space and engraftment. However, it contains a skin component and other musculoskeletal tissues that complicate issues related to tolerance induction. To study only aspects of vascularized bone marrow transplantation, we created a new isolated vascularized bone marrow transplant model in rats. The common iliac (or femoral) artery and vein were microsurgically anastomosed to the recipient abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava in an end-to-side fashion, respectively. Syngeneic male Lewis (RT1(1), n = 20) and allogeneic male BN (RT1(n), n = 10) donors were transplanted to female Lewis recipients. To establish rejection criteria, we examined histopathology and used the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to assess microchimerism of donor male bone marrow cells in the peripheral blood of female recipients using rat Y chromosome (sex-determining region Y)-specific primers. All recipients were healthy and remained stable without major complications for up to 300 days posttransplant. Morphologically, syngeneic male Lewis bone marrow showed a near-normal appearance. Allogeneic male BN bone marrow was clearly rejected. Male bone marrow cells were detected by PCR in the peripheral blood of all syngeneic recipients, but not in allogeneic blood specimens. A new surgical approach to bone marrow transplantation was established. This consisted of the vascularized femoral bone/bone marrow transplant. Further analyses regarding the ability of vascularized femoral bone marrow transplants to induce systemic transplantation tolerance in adult rats will provide insights into not only various issues of immunology but also the potential clinical application of vascularized bone marrow transplantation.

Suzuki H ，Patel N ，Matthews M ，DelRossi AJ ，Doolin EJ ，Hewitt CW ... -  《-》

The superficial inferior epigastric artery fascia flap in the rabbit.

In reconstructive surgery, fascial flaps provide thin, pliable tissue for mucosal closure or serve as a highly vascularized support for skin grafts. Their angiogenic potential is used for experimental neovascularization of avascular tissue grafts. However, most fascial flaps in animal surgery have random pattern design with short reach. As a pilot study for a femur revascularization project in rabbits, a new axial fascial flap is described based on the superficial inferior epigastric (SIE) vessels. They were used in this species previously only as ligated bundles or in fasciocutaneous flaps. The topographical anatomy of the SIE-vessels, lower abdominal fascia, and panniculus carnosus are outlined. The angiogenic capabilities are demonstrated microangiographically by abundant vessel formation in a femur allograft. Used in a pedicled fashion, this flap is an alternative to femoral and saphenous vessels for prefabrication or revascularization procedures in the lower abdomen, genital area, and thigh. Distant recipient sites seem possible with microsurgical transfer.

Giessler GA ，Friedrich PF ，Shin RH ，Bishop AT ... -  《-》