Brief Overview of Immunosuppressive Regimens in Animal Models for Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation | Chapter 5 | Highlights on Medicine and Medical Research Vol. 8

 The advancement of vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) and the clinical need for it has necessitated the creation of more animal models to study and conduct the research needed to advance this specialty in terms of functional recovery and immunomodulatory improvements. The majority of current research in the VCA is focused on improving the safety profile of such procedures, especially in light of the need to improve immunosuppressive regimens. Many animal models have been published in individual series in the literature, but there hasn't been a comprehensive analysis of them. We've put together a list of all the animal models that have been published in the VCA literature so far. Any studies that used animal models in different aspects of VCA research were subjected to a thorough analysis of the literature. The models were categorised by the form of VCA transplant, whether it was orthotopic or heterotopic, the immunosuppressive regimen used in each sample, and the intent of the investigation. Animal models for 22 facial transplants, 3 abdominal wall transplants, 4 penile transplantations, 21 uterus transplantations, 13 hindlimb transplantations, and 4 myocutaneous flap transplantations were registered. Animal models in VCA included primates, swine, rats, mice, rabbits, sheep, and dogs. In these VCA animal models, the most commonly used immunosuppressive drugs are calcineurin inhibitors including cyclosporin A and tacrolimus. By inhibiting the phosphatase activity of lymphocyte calcineurin, they can significantly reduce lymphocyte function. They can be used in conjunction with mycophenolate mofetil, steroids, or antilymphocyte serum. The study of existing animal models will enable researchers to concentrate their efforts on areas of VCA where there is currently a scarcity of information. The immunosuppressive regimens used in of animal model can also be examined to see which one works best in which animal model, saving time and money for future study.

Author (s) Details

Aline Yen Ling Wang
Center for Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan.

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