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.
