Establishment and improvement of model of vascularized heart-thymus composite transplantation in rats

Objective To establish and improve the model of heart-thymus composite transplantation. Methods Vascularized both lobes of the thymus is transplanted heterotopically with the heart as a composite graft in rats. This technique was developed and assessed, and viability of the grafts was evaluated histologically. Results Donor operation costed 38.5 ± 3.52 min, vascular anastomosis costed 25.0 ± 3.28 min, operating successful rate was 90%, acute rejection was observed in SD-Wistar group, viable thymus with normal microarchitecture was maintained in Wistar-Wistar group. Conclusions The improved novel technique for combined heart-thymus transplantation is a valuable method for study of the role of thymus in transplantation immunity.