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J Reconstr Microsurg 1993; 9(1): 33-38
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1006636
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1993 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Rat Ear Transplantation: A Feasibility Study

David T.W. Chiu, Jeffrey A. Ascherman, Michael C. Patsis
  • Department of Plastic Surgery, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY
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Publication History

Accepted for publication 1992

Publication Date:
08 March 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The feasibility of rat ear replantation and its inherent advantages as an experimental model have previously been demonstrated. The purpose of this study was to validate the technical feasibility of rat ear transplantation. To eliminate immunologic rejection as a complicating factor, highly inbred Lewis rats (strain LEW/CR1BR) were utilized. The external, internal, or common carotid artery served as the arterial pedicle, and the posterior facial vein as the venous pedicle; tubal cartilage was anastomosed for structural support. Four of five transplanted ears were viable at 10 to 14 weeks postoperatively. The other ear appeared entirely viable, when its host animal died of respiratory complications on postoperative day 2. Rat ears therefore seem to provide a feasible model for transplantation of non-vital organs.