Abstract
Aim. Organ transplantation is the most effective treatment for several degenerative end-stage diseases. While the mainstream immunosuppression can achieve satisfactory results, the therapy has either side effects and flaws. The golden target to reach should be a stable tolerance with the transplanted organ accepted without a long term drug administration. Recent studies demonstrated a tolerogenic effect of spleen cells. Aim of this study is to evaluate a model of combined spleen and whole organ transplantation in a significant preclinical setting in swine. Methods. Twenty-five outbred Landrace/Large-White swine underwent combined spleen/kidney transplantation (SKTx). The experiments were stratified into 3 groups per randomization. Group 1 (N=7) received kidney transplantation (KTx) alone with no immunosuppressive treatment. Group 2 (N=9) had a combined KTx and whole graft spleen Tx. Group 3 (N=9) had KTx and spleen cells (DST), injected through the portal vein. Renal lab tests were collected to evaluate the onset of rejection. Survivals were evaluated as well The end-point of the study was at onset of kidney failure or at the limit of 60 postoperative day (POD) in non-rejecting animals. Tissue samples were collected to evaluate grade and severity of rejection. Results. Controls died from kidney future within 10th POD. Group 2 and 3, had a delayed renal graft rejection and an overall prolonged graft survival. Whole graft and spleen cells injection share this effect, while spleen administration through the portal route proved a superior effect, which is significant compared to controls (Kaplan Meier survival analysis P
Translated title of the contribution | Immunomodulation after combined spleen and kidney transplantation in swine |
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Original language | Italian |
Pages (from-to) | 85-94 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Minerva Chirurgica |
Volume | 61 |
Issue number | 2 |
Publication status | Published - Apr 2006 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery