Comparison of reproductive performances of local and improved pigs reared in south Benin.

Benin's domestic production of pork is deficient because of the animals' low productivity. This study aimed to evaluate the zootechnical performances of pigs reared in south Benin. Data on zootechnical performances and reproduction management were collected from 63 farms in the departments of Ouémé and Plateau. These data were analyzed with SAS software, and the Fisher test was used for the significance of the breed, sex, and parity number effect on the zootechnical performances. It appears that estrus detection was mainly based on the observation of signs of vulvar changes and behavior of the sow. These estruses were detected at any time and without the boar. The local sows were mated as soon as estruses were detected while improved sows were mated 36 h after. The pregnancy detection was performed by control of return of estrus, 21 days after the mating by the majority (80.6%) of the respondents. The litter size, the number of piglets born alive, and the weaned piglets of improved sows were significantly higher (P < 0.001) than those of local sows. These parameters increased with the parity number until the 4th parity and decreased after. The litter size was highly correlated with the number of piglets born alive and weaned piglets. The farrowing interval was longer in local sows than in improved sows. The weights at birth, at 1 and 2 months old of improved piglets, were significantly higher than those of local piglets (P < 0.001). The knowledge of these performances will allow actions to be taken for their improvement.

Long-term follow-up of vitrified and autografted baboon (Papio anubis) ovarian tissue.

STUDY QUESTION: Can vitrified baboon ovarian tissue survive >5 months after autotransplantation and subsequently restore fertility? SUMMARY ANSWER: Our results show that ovarian tissue grafts can survive at least 18 months, but fertility restoration could not be confirmed due to lack of pregnancy. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Ovarian function in baboons can be re-established after autografting of vitrified-warmed ovarian tissue fragments. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Ovaries from five adult female baboons were used for this study. Unilateral ovariectomy was performed in each animal, followed by vitrification of ovarian fragments. Orthotopic autotransplantation of the vitrified-warmed ovarian fragments was carried out 1 day after ovariectomy. One month later, the other ovary was removed from each animal and vitrified. The next day, the ovarian samples were warmed and orthotopically autografted. Biopsies of grafted tissues were taken after 12 and 18 months for stromal tissue and follicle evaluation. Control samples were collected before vitrification. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: After grafting, follicle survival, growth and function and also the quality of stromal tissue were assessed histologically and by immunohistochemistry. Estrogen levels were measured, and cyclicity was monitored. All five animals were mated several times. Male baboons used in the mating experiments were not of proven fertility. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: After vitrification, warming and long-term grafting, follicles were able to grow. However, their function may have been negatively affected by vitrification and/or transplantation, as expression of kit ligand and c-kit differed from fresh ungrafted tissue (P < 0.05). Corpora lutea and/or ovulation stigma were observed in grafts, indicating successful ovulation in all the baboons, with estrogen levels comparable to those in adult female baboons. LARGE SCALA DATA: Not applicable. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Despite our promising findings on ovarian function restoration, the vitrification procedure could not be validated. Moreover, male baboons used for mating were not of proven fertility. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Our protocol of ovarian tissue vitrification successfully re-established ovarian function in a baboon model of autotransplantation. While more studies are required to determine whether this approach can indeed restore fertility, it may prove an easy way of cryopreserving ovarian tissue with a view to recovering ovarian function. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This study was supported by grants from the Fonds National de la Recherche Scientifique (FNRS) (C.A.A. is an FRS-FNRS Research Associate; grant 5/4/150/5 awarded to M.M.D.), Fonds Spéciaux de Recherche, Fondation Saint Luc, Stichting tegen Kanker (Fondation contre le Cancer), Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES, Brazil; grant # 013/14 CAPES/WBI awarded to C.M.L.), Wallonie-Bruxelles International (awarded to C.A.A.), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq; grant awarded to Sarah R. Scalercio) and donations from the Ferrero family. None of the authors have any competing interests to declare.

Effects of press-fit biphasic (collagen and HA/ßTCP) scaffold with cell-based therapy on cartilage and subchondral bone repair knee defect in rabbits.

INTRODUCTION: Human spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee (SPONK) is still challenging as the current treatments do not allow the production of hyaline cartilage tissue. The aim of the present study was to explore the therapeutic potential of cartilage regeneration using a new biphasic scaffold (type I collagen/hydroxyapatite) previously loaded or not with concentrated bone marrow cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Female rabbits were operated of one knee to create articular lesions of the trochlea (three holes of 4 × 4mm). The holes were left empty in the control group or were filled with the scaffold alone or the scaffold previously loaded with concentrated bone marrow cells. After two months, rabbits were sacrificed and the structure of the newly formed tissues were evaluated by macroscopic, MRI, and immunohistochemistry analyses. RESULTS: Macroscopic and MRI evaluation of the knees did not show differences between the three groups (p > 0.05). However, histological analysis demonstrated that a higher O'Driscoll score was obtained in the two groups treated with the scaffold, as compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The number of cells in treated area was higher in scaffold groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). There was no difference for intensity of collagen type II between the groups (p > 0.05) but subchondral bone repair was significantly thicker in scaffold-treated groups than in the control group (1 mm for the control group vs 2.1 and 2.6 mm for scaffold groups). Furthermore, we observed that scaffolds previously loaded with concentrated bone marrow were more reabsorbed (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of a biphasic scaffold previously loaded with concentrated bone marrow significantly improves cartilage lesion healing.

17 O MRS assesses the effect of mild hypothermia on oxygen consumption rate in tumors.

Although oxygen consumption is a key factor in metabolic phenotyping, its assessment in tumors remains critical, as current technologies generally display poor specificity. The objectives of this study were to explore the feasibility of direct 17 O nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to assess oxygen metabolism in tumors and its modulations. To investigate the impact of hypometabolism induction in the murine fibrosarcoma FSAII tumor model, we monitored the oxygen consumption of normothermic (37°C) and hypothermic (32°C) tumor-bearing mice. Hypothermic animals showed an increase in tumor pO2 (measured by electron paramagnetic resonance oximetry) contrary to normothermic animals. This was related to a decrease in oxygen consumption rate (assessed using 17 O magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) after the inhalation of 17 O2 -enriched gas). This study highlights the ability of direct 17 O MRS to measure oxygen metabolism in tumors and modulations of tumor oxygen consumption rate.

Intensive hands-on microsurgery course provides a solid foundation for performing clinical microvascular surgery.

PURPOSE: Microvascular surgery requires highly specialized and individualized training; most surgical residency training programs are not equipped with microsurgery teaching expertise and/or facilities. The aim of this manuscript was to describe the methodology and clinical effectiveness of an international microsurgery course, currently taught year-round in eight countries. METHODS: In the 5-day microsurgery course trainees perform arterial and venous end-to-end, end-to-side, one-way-up, and continuous suture anastomoses and vein graft techniques in live animals, supported by video demonstrations and hands-on guidance by a full-time instructor. To assess and monitor each trainee's progress, the course's effectiveness is evaluated using "in-course" evaluations, and participant satisfaction and clinical relevance are assessed using a "post-course" survey. RESULTS: Between 2007 and 2017, more than 600 trainees participated in the microsurgery course. "In-course" evaluations of patency rates revealed 80.3% (arterial) and 39% (venous) performed in end-to-end, 82.7% in end-to-side, 72.6% in continuous suture, and 89.5% (arterial) and 62.5% (venous) one-way-up anastomoses, and 58.1% in vein graft technique. "Post-course" survey results indicated that participants considered the most important components of the microcourse to be "practicing on live animals", followed by "the presence of a full-time instructor". In addition, almost all respondents indicated that they were more confident performing clinical microsurgery cases after completing the course. CONCLUSIONS: Microvascular surgery requires highly specialized and individualized training to achieve the competences required to perform and master the delicate fine motor skills necessary to successfully handle and anastomose very small and delicate microvascular structures. The ever-expanding clinical applications of microvascular procedures has led to an increased demand for training opportunities. By teaching time-tested basic motor skills that form the foundation of microsurgical technique this international microsurgery-teaching course is helping to meet this demand.

Crossbreeding and consanguinity management in pig farms in the departments of Ouémé and Plateau in Benin.

BACKGROUND: The improvement in pig zootechnical performances is a common practice in Benin. This improvement of the performances is made by the choice of the best reproducers in farms and the crossbreeding between the different breeds. AIM: This study aims to characterize practices related to consanguinity management in pigs reared in Ouémé and Plateau. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Crossbreeding and consanguinity data were collected from 60 farms in these two departments. Frequencies and averages were calculated and compared between departments, genetic types, and origin of progenitors. RESULTS: The majority of the investigated pig farmers in both departments were married men of primary or secondary education level. Most of them cross animals without a specific crossbreeding scheme. These crossings were performed to a greater extent (p<0.05) in Ouémé (94.28%) than in Plateau (52%). In general, farmers cross improved animals of high breeding values with the crossbred ones. These crossings were mainly performed to improve zootechnical performances. Renewing animals were commonly chosen from the farm or were provided from nearby farms. The majority of pig breeders in Ouémé (100%) and Plateau (86.67%) obtained reproductive animals from nearby farms. Males and females were sometimes bought from the same farm or from farms that pig breeders have sold reproductive animals in the previous years. In the case of selection within their own farm, male and female progenitors are separated at puberty by the majority of the breeders of Plateau (42.11%) and Ouéme (50%). Inbred mating was reported by breeders. More than half of breeders mate animals having a parental link in both departments. The mating was performed between animals of the same mother in 37.93% of farms in Ouémé and in 45.46% in Plateau. The main consanguinity consequences mentioned by the breeders were the high mortality at birth and weaning, piglets' weakness at the birth, the slow growth, and the decrease in litter size. Sows with at least one parent from external farm had a litter size at birth and weaning and a live-born piglets' number significantly higher than sows with both parents from the same farm. CONCLUSION: Rigorous monitoring of crossing and the filial links are necessary for pig farms for ensuring the improvement of zootechnical performances.

Unsuccessful induction of endometriosis in female rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta).

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to induce endometriosis in female rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) for research purposes. METHODS: Three female monkeys from 4 to 4.5 years of age underwent three consecutive attempts at endometriosis induction over an 8-month period: (i) the first attempt involved intravaginal sampling of endometrial tissue and transplantation into the intrapelvic cavity; (ii) the second entailed surgical removal of endometrium after hysterotomy and intra-abdominal placement, and (iii) the third used endometrial mucosa obtained by scraping the uterus after hysterectomy, placed in a surgical pouch created in the retrovesical space (Retzius). In each case, the pelvic cavity was closely inspected after 7, 9, and 6 weeks respectively for the presence of endometriotic lesions, and peritoneal biopsies were performed. RESULTS: Neither macroscopic observation nor histological analysis revealed any endometriotic lesions. CONCLUSION: This failure to induce endometriosis in female rhesus macaques suggests that this species is not the most efficient experimental model among primates to investigate endometriosis development or treatment.

The importance of large animal models in transplantation.

Animal models have been extensively used in transplantation research. However, animal experimentation is contentious and subject to legal and ethical restrictions. Most experiments are carried out on rodents, but crucial prerequisites for the development of safe pre-clinical protocols in biomedical research are needed through suitable large animal models. In transplantation particularly, large animal models have developed dramatically. This article provides an overview of the large animal models commonly used to evaluate organ transplant experiments and analyzes the specificity of several models in various situations such as induction of allospecific tolerance and xenotransplantation. The key determination that remains be addressed is the most appropriate species and strains to model human immune and physiological systems. Because of their phylogenetic and physiologic similarities to man, non-human primates play an increasingly important role in pre-clinical testing. Nevertheless, a number of studies have shown the pig to be a reliable large animal model for transplantation research, and the availability of genetically defined or modified pigs establishes a stronger position for pigs as a large animal model.

CorMatrix valved conduit in a porcine model: long-term remodelling and biomechanical characterization.

OBJECTIVES: Porcine small intestinal submucosa extracellular matrix (CorMatrix; CorMatrix Cardiovascular, Rosewell, GA) is a relatively novel tissue substitute used in cardiovascular applications. We investigated the biological reaction and remodelling of CorMatrix as a tri-leaflet valved conduit in a pig model. We hypothesized that CorMatrix maintains a durable architecture as a valved conduit and remodels to resemble surrounding tissues. METHODS: We fashioned the valved conduit using a 7 × 10 cm 4-ply CorMatrix sheet and placed it in the thoracic aorta of seven landrace pigs for 3, 4, 5 and 6 months. Biodegradation, replacement by native tissue, strength and durability were examined by histology, immunohistochemistry and mechanical testing. RESULTS: Four pigs, one per time frame, completed the study. The conduit lost its original architecture as a tri-leaflet valve due to cusp immobility, subsequent attachment to the wall segment and consequent maintenance of a thick arterial wall-like structure. Scaffold resorption was incomplete, with disorganized inconsistent spatial and temporal degradation even at 6 months. Fibrosis, scarring and calcification started at 4 months and chronic inflammation persisted. The partially remodelled scaffold did not resemble the aortic wall, suggesting impaired remodelling. Mechanical testing showed progressive weakening of the tissues over time, which were liable to breakage. CONCLUSIONS: CorMatrix is biodegradable; however, it failed to remodel in a structured and anatomical fashion in an arterial environment. Progressive mechanical and remodelling failure in this scenario might be explained by the complexity of the conduit design and the host's chronic inflammatory response, leading to early fibrosis and calcification.

Invasion process of induced deep nodular endometriosis in an experimental baboon model: similarities with collective cell migration?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the implications of collective cell migration in the invasion phenomenon observed in deep endometriotic lesions induced in a baboon model. DESIGN: Study of morphology and collective cell migration markers in invasive and noninvasive deep endometriotic lesions induced in a baboon model. Invasive lesions were defined as the presence of endometrial glands and stroma in surrounding organs, and a distinction was made between the center of the lesion (glands present in the main lesion) and the invasion front (glands present in surrounding organs). SETTING: Academic research unit. ANIMAL(S): Ten female baboons (Papio anubis). INTERVENTION(S): Recovery of induced deep nodular endometriotic nodules. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Evaluation of the morphology of glands by analysis of noninvasive and invasive lesions (center of the lesion and invasion front); staining with specific antibodies (Ki67, E-cadherin, ß-catenin) for immunohistochemical study of mitotic activity and cell-cell junctions. RESULT(S): Glands from invasive lesions, particularly from the invasion front, showed a significantly lower thickness coefficient, higher mitotic activity, and lower expression of E-cadherin and ß-catenin than glands from noninvasive lesions and the center of invasive lesions. CONCLUSION(S): We report altered morphology, increased mitotic activity, and fewer adhesion molecules in invasive glands present in induced nodular endometriosis, particularly along the invasion front, suggesting that collective cell migration is involved in the invasion process of deep endometriotic lesions induced in a baboon model.

Thymectomy impairs but does not uniformly abrogate long-term acceptance of semi-identical liver allograft in inbred miniature Swine temporarily treated with FK506.

BACKGROUND: Long-term acceptance of semi-identical orthotopic liver transplants (OLTs) in inbred swine is induced by a 12-day course of FK506. To study whether acceptance is attributable to central or peripheral immune mechanisms, the effect of complete thymectomy was determined. METHODS: Total thymectomy was performed in 15 swine 3 to 4 weeks before OLT. Twelve of these animals received a 12-day course of FK506 after OLT, and three animals did not receive immunosuppression. Five additional nonthymectomized pigs received OLT and a FK506 regimen. Graft survival, liver function, histology, and cellular and humoral responses were assessed. RESULTS: Nonthymectomized, FK506-treated animals uniformly showed long-term acceptance of OLT and developed stable donor unresponsiveness. Of the 12 thymectomized, FK506-treated pigs, seven died of non-immunologic causes within 3 postoperative months, and five maintained their OLT for more than 6 months (range 180-450 days). Among these survivors, two developed a complete anti-donor response (mixed lymphocyte reaction [MLR], cell-mediated lymphocytotoxicity [CML], and immunoglobulin [IgG] antibodies) and eventually rejected their OLT at postoperative day 180. The three remaining pigs kept their liver allografts up to 450 days and developed a donor-specific unresponsiveness (a transient anti-donor MLR was observed during the follow-up but never an anti-donor CML or IgG antibodies). All three thymectomized, untreated animals rejected their allografts acutely and displayed a complete anti-donor response (MLR, CML, and IgG antibodies). CONCLUSIONS: Complete thymectomy before OLT impaired but did not uniformly abrogate long-term acceptance of semi-identical OLT, suggesting that peripheral immune mechanisms may be sufficient to induce long-term acceptance of liver allografts in some recipients.

Cell-mediated cytotoxicity to porcine aortic endothelial cells is not dependent on galactosyl residues when baboon peripheral blood lymphocytes are previously primed with pig xenoantigens.

BACKGROUND: In the pig-to-baboon model, acute vascular rejection remains the main hurdle for successful long-term xenograft survival. The production of galactosyl knockout pigs could solve concomitantly the problem of hyperacute and acute vascular rejection. This work studies in vitro the cell-mediated cytotoxicity of natural killer (NK) and T cells after priming of baboon peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) with pig antigens to evaluate whether cytotoxicity is galactosyl-dependent. MATERIAL AND METHODS: PBLs from naive and primed baboons were used as effectors on primary porcine aortic endothelial cells (PAECs) to assess cytotoxicity. Untreated or galactosidase-digested PAECs were used to evidence the role of galactosyl residues on cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Two rat-anti baboon monoclonal antibodies were tested to inhibit either T+NK cells (LO-CD2b) or NK cells alone (LO-CD94). RESULTS: When using PBLs from naive animals, spontaneous lysis occurred and was inhibited by both LOCD-2b and LO-CD94. In comparison, lysis of PAECs was significantly higher when baboon PBLs were first primed in vivo with pig xenoantigens. In this case, cytotoxicity was completely inhibited by LO-CD2b but only partially by LO-CD94. Reduction of galactosyl residues by galactosidase digestion showed that PAEC lysis almost completely disappeared with naive baboon PBLs but not with primed baboon PBLs, thereby indicating that anti-pig T-cell response is not dependent on galactosyl residues. CONCLUSION: Galactosyl knockout pigs could solve hyperacute rejection and also prevent the activation of NK cells even after xenogeneic priming. T cells will then be the next hurdle for the success of xenografting.

Improved survival of orthotopic liver allograft in swine by addition of trophic factors to University of Wisconsin solution.

Serum-free preservation media such as University of Wisconsin (UW) may cause tissue damage through trophic factor (TF) deprivation. This study evaluated whether the addition of TFs to UW solution improves liver graft quality after extended cold preservation time in pigs. UW solution was supplemented with epidermal growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-1, nerve growth factor-beta, bactenecin, and substance P to create TF-supplemented (TFS) UW. Orthotopic liver transplantation was performed after 18 hr of static cold storage at 4 degrees C in UW (n=7) or TFS-UW (n=7) solution. Recipients of grafts preserved with TFS-UW demonstrated significantly better 5-day survival (57%) than those preserved with UW alone (14%) (P<0.05). Adenosine triphosphate content in grafts preserved in TFS-UW was significantly higher than in grafts preserved in UW (17.4+/-5.0 vs. 4.8+/-1.2 nmol/mg protein, respectively) (P<0.05). This study showed that the addition of TFs to UW solution allowed a significant extension of cold ischemic time in pigs.

Induction of endometriotic nodules in an experimental baboon model mimicking human deep nodular lesions.

OBJECTIVE: To establish an experimental model for the study of deep nodular endometriosis. DESIGN: Induction of nodular endometriosis in baboons by grafting different uterine specimens to the peritoneal cavity. SETTING: Research and university facilities. ANIMAL(S): Ten baboons, to develop a model of induced deep nodular endometriosis. INTERVENTION(S): Biopsies of endometrium, and endometrium plus the junctional zone (JZ), full uterine thickness, and myometrium grafted to the peritoneum. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Macroscopic descriptions recorded for observed induced lesions; staining with hematoxylin and eosin for histological evaluation and specific antibodies (CK22, CD10) for immunohistochemical studies; and analysis of surface area and volume of lesions, glandular density, and invasion of surrounding organs. RESULT(S): The incidence of induced nodular endometriosis was 100%, but the extent depended on the tissue grafted. Lesions induced after grafting specimens containing the JZ were statistically significantly larger than those not containing the JZ. Surrounding organ invasion was reported in more than 40% of lesions after grafting specimens containing the JZ. CONCLUSION(S): The first experimental model of nodular endometriosis allows investigation of deeper nodular lesions as well as invasion phenomena associated with nodular lesions.

Nerve fiber density in deep nodular endometriotic lesions induced in a baboon experimental model.

OBJECTIVE: To study the occurrence of nerve fibers in deep nodular endometriotic lesions after nodules were induced in baboons and nerve fiber densities measured 6 months after the grafting procedure. DESIGN: Experimental animal study. SETTING: Academic gynecology research unit. ANIMALS: Ten baboons (Papio anubis). INTERVENTION(S): Recovery of induced endometriotic nodules and eutopic endometrium. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Protein gene product (PGP) 9.5 and nerve growth factor (NGF) immunohistochemistries were performed to evaluate nerve fiber density and NGF expression in induced endometriotic lesions and eutopic endometrium. RESULT(S): Eutopic (basalis) endometrium, myometrium, and invasive and noninvasive nodular lesions were analyzed separately. The highest nerve fiber densities were observed in normal myometrium and in the basal layer of eutopic endometrium. No significant differences were observed between the two lesion types. However, the NGF staining intensity score was found to be higher in glands of deep invasive lesions than in glands of eutopic baboon endometrium. CONCLUSION(S): This is the first study to show the presence of nerve fibers in eutopic baboon endometrium and induced deep endometriotic nodules. Long-term studies are now warranted to determine if nerves still grow in invasive and noninvasive lesions >6 months after grafting, and to evaluate the role of the lesion environment.

Intersectoral collaboration between the medical and veterinary professions in low-resource societies: The role of research and training institutions.

BACKGROUND: Neglected zoonoses continue to significantly affect human health in low-resource countries. A symposium was organised in Antwerp, Belgium, on 5 November 2010 to evaluate how intersectoral collaboration among educational and research institutions could improve the situation. RESULTS: Brucellosis and echinococcosis were presented as models for intersectoral collaboration. Low-resource societies face evident knowledge gaps on disease distribution, transmission within and across species and impact on human and animal health, precluding the development of integrated control strategies. RECOMMENDATIONS: While veterinarians have been the main driver of the One Health initiative, the medical profession does not seem to be fully aware of how veterinary science can contribute to human public health. It was postulated that transdisciplinarity could help fill knowledge gaps and that encouraging such transdisciplinarity should start with undergraduate students. Furthermore, intersectoral collaboration on zoonoses should not ignore the social sciences (e.g. assessment of indigenous knowledge and perception; participatory surveillance), which can contribute to a better understanding of the transmission of diseases and improve communities' participation in disease control activities.

Is the baboon model appropriate for endometriosis studies?

OBJECTIVE: To determinethe prevalence of spontaneous endometriosis andthe incidence of induced endometriosis after endocervical canal resection in baboons. DESIGN: Induction and follow-up of endometriosis in baboons, which is one of the primate species that develop spontaneous endometriosis. Forty-one baboons were checked for the presence of spontaneous endometriosis. We then attempted to induce endometriosis in 30 of them by endocervical canal resection. SETTING: Institute of Primate Research, Nairobi, Kenya, and Catholic University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium. ANIMAL(S): Forty-one baboons were checked for spontaneous endometriosis and 30 of them were used to develop a model of induced endometriosis. INTERVENTION(S): A total of 41 baboons underwent diagnostic laparoscopy for 10 months. In a first step, 30 of this number subsequently underwent endocervical canal resection. In a second step, 20 of the 30 underwent uterine horn resection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Follow-up by laparoscopy. RESULT(S): Two of the 41 baboons were diagnosed with spontaneous endometriosis (4.8%). Twelve months after the surgical procedure to induce endometriosis, 8 of 29 animals presented with endometriotic lesions diagnosed by using laparoscopy and confirmed by histologic examination. The incidence of induced endometriosis in our model was thus 27.6%. In 2 baboons, endometriosis disappeared over time, resulting in a final rate of 20.7% (6/29). CONCLUSION(S): The rate of spontaneous endometriosis is very low (4.8%). Endometriosis can be induced (with a rate of just 27.6%) by endocervical canal resection to stimulate retrograde menstruation.

In vivo biocompatibility of three potential intraperitoneal implants.

The intraperitoneal biocompatibility of PDMS, polyHEMA and pEVA was investigated in rats, rabbits and rhesus monkeys. No inflammation was evidenced by hematological analyses and measurement of inflammatory markers throughout the experiment and by post-mortem examination of the pelvic cavity. After 3 or 6 months, histological analysis revealed fibrous tissue encapsulating PDMS and PEVA implants in all species and polyHEMA implants in rabbits and monkeys. Calcium deposits were observed inside polyHEMA implants. The intraperitoneal biocompatibility of all 3 polymers makes them suitable for the design of drug delivery systems, which may be of great interest for pathologies confined to the pelvic cavity.

Accommodation and antibodies.

Accommodation refers to the condition in which an organ transplant functions normally by acquiring resistance to immune-mediated injury (especially), despite the presence of anti-transplant antibodies in the recipient. This status is associated with several modifications in the recipient as well as in the graft, such as previous depletion of anti-graft antibodies and their slow return once the graft is placed; expression of several protective genes in the graft; a Th2 immune response in the recipient; and inhibition of the membrane attack complex of complement.

Early biological and immune response to semi-identical liver or kidney allograft in miniature swine.

In inbred miniature swine, semi-identical liver allograft recipients survive up to 3 months without immunosuppression, whereas similarly mismatched kidney allografts are uniformly rejected within 2 weeks. The early biological and immunological events were assessed in this unique model. SLA(d/d) pigs (MGH, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA) received liver or kidney allograft from heterozygous SLA(c/d) miniature swine. Survival, graft function, histology, intragraft cytokines, peripheral lymphocyte and platelet count, plasma cortisol level and cellular/humoral anti-donor immune response were assessed. Kidney allografts were uniformly rejected within 2 weeks, whereas liver allografts survived for up to 87 days. After both liver and kidney transplantation, the peripheral lymphocyte count decreased during the first week concomitantly to a significant elevation of plasma cortisol level. Early decrease of peripheral platelet count was observed after liver but not renal transplantation. Up-regulation of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) was observed during the first postoperative week in semi-identical liver allografts and IFN-gamma as well as IL-10 in kidney allografts. In liver recipients, labelled autologous lymphocytes accumulated in the liver graft and native spleen, whereas after renal allograft, lymphocytes accumulated in the native spleen and liver but never in the kidney allograft. Specific cellular anti-donor unresponsiveness was observed from the first post-transplant day in both liver and kidney recipients, while the humoral anti-donor response remained intact. In semi-identical liver allograft, recipient rejection is milder and slower than in similarly matched kidney allograft. The intragraft up-regulation of TGF-beta1 in semi-identical liver allograft might be one mediator to explain the modulation of rejection after liver transplant. The rapid, nonspecific accumulation of recipient lymphocytes in the liver allograft but not in kidney allograft might also play a role in the different survival time in this model.