Research of combined liver-kidney transplantation model in rats

ObjectiveTo set up a simple and reliable rat model of combined liver-kidney transplantation.MethodsSD rats served as both donors and recipients.4°C sodium lactate Ringer's was infused from portal veins to donated livers, and from abdominal aorta to donated kidneys, respectively. Anastomosis of the portal vein and the inferior vena cava (IVC) inferior to the right kidney between the graft and the recipient was performed by a double cuff method, then the superior hepatic vena cava with suture. A patch of donated renal artery was anastomosed to the recipient abdominal aorta. The urethra and bile duct were reconstructed with a simple inside bracket.ResultsAmong 65 cases of combined liver-kidney transplantation, the success rate in the late 40 cases was 77.5%. The function of the grafted liver and kidney remained normal.ConclusionThis rat model of combined liver-kidney transplantation can be established in common laboratory conditions with high success rate and meet the needs of renal transplantation experiment.