Noninvasive evaluation of intragraft immune responses in upper extremity transplantation.

In vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA), invasive tissue biopsies remain the gold standard in diagnosing rejection carrying significant morbidity. We aimed to show feasibility of tape-stripping for noninvasive immune monitoring in VCA. Tape-stripping was performed on allografts and native skin of upper extremity transplant recipients. Healthy nontransplanted individuals served as controls. The technique was also used in swine on naïve skin in nontransplanted animals, native skin of treated, transplanted swine, nonrejecting VCAs, and rejecting VCAs. Extracted protein was analyzed for differences in cytokine expression using Luminex technology. Significantly decreased levels of INFγ and IL-1Ra were seen between human allograft samples and native skin. In swine, rejecting grafts had increased IL-1Ra compared to naïve and native skin, decreased levels of GM-CSF compared to native skin, and decreased IL-10 compared to nonrejecting grafts. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering revealed rejecting grafts separated from the nonrejecting (P = 0.021). Variable importance in projection scores identified GM-CSF, IL-1Ra, and IL-2 as the most important profiles for group discrimination. Differences in cytokine expression are detectable in human VCA patient native skin and VCA graft skin using a noninvasive tape-stripping method. Swine studies suggest that differences in cytokines between rejecting and nonrejecting grafts are discernable.

A novel rat microsurgical model to study the immunological characteristics of male genital tissue in the context of penile transplantation.

Penis transplantation represents an exciting new avenue for restoration of male genitalia and function after devastating tissue loss. This animal model is designed to fill a critical void to study immunologic aspects related to reconstructive transplantation of male genitalia. A rat penile graft dissection was designed based on the internal pudendal arteries and dorsal penile vein and includes the skin of the prepuce. A nonsuture cuff technique was used to anastomose the graft vessels to the recipient superficial epigastric and femoral vessels. Seventy-seven penile transplantations were performed. Graft design yields suitable caliber and length of vessels at the radix of the penis. Anastomosis of the dorsal penile vein and the internal pudendal arteries insures optimal graft perfusion. The nonsuture cuff technique allows for successful microvascular anastomosis by a single surgeon with an average overall operative time of 2.5 h. Long-term graft survival (>30 days) was observed in syngeneic transplants. We have established a robust murine model with ideal vascular perfusion of penile tissue to study the unique immunobiology of male genitourinary allotransplantation. Heterotopic inset further allows for visual monitoring of graft viability, while the native penis serves as an optimal control.

Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap Procedure in a Swine Model.

BACKGROUND: As surgical research expands in both breadth and scope, translational models become increasingly important. The accessibility, reproducibility, and clinical applicability of translational models is of vital importance to ensure adequate and accurate research. Though different flap models have been described, the literature lacks an in-depth, technical description of an easy large-animal preclinical model. We here describe the procedure for elevation of a latissimus dorsi flap in a swine. This flap contains muscle and skin that can be isolated on a vascular pedicle, transferred as a free flap, perfused, or innervated/denervated as dictated by the needs of the experiment. METHODS: Five different latissimus dorsi flaps were elevated in miniature swine. Careful attention was paid to anatomical landmarks and optimal placement of incision, dissection, and retraction. Temporary ischemia with vascular clamping was performed along with serial digital and infrared imaging both intra- and postoperatively. In three of the flaps with induced ischemia, the animal was observed for a 30-day follow up with daily photodocumentation and intermittent biopsy. RESULTS: A reproducible latissimus flap model was designed with optimized conditions. In the animals in which flaps were followed postoperatively, complete healing was seen within 30 days without evidence of procedure-related ischemia or loss of motor function. CONCLUSION: We have identified and described a pre-clinical large animal flap model that can be easily reproduced for translational studies of multiple scientific areas including flap-based repair, ischemia, ischemia reperfusion, and operative technique. This provides an important model for ready replication in preclinical studies of many varieties.

A Skin Rejection Grading System for Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation in a Preclinical Large Animal Model.

BACKGROUND: The Banff Criteria have been accepted as a system for grading histological rejection in graft skin in human vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA). Preclinical swine hindlimb transplantation models have an important role in translational studies in VCA. However, unified grading criteria for rejection in swine skin have not yet been established. METHODS: Two hundred fourteen swine skin biopsy specimens were reviewed, including 88 native skin biopsies and 126 specimens from the skin component of heterotopic swine hindlimb transplants. Thorough review was performed in a blinded fashion by an expert veterinary pathologist with attention paid to the applicability of the Banff criteria as well as specific histologic characteristics and trends. Clinical and histopathologic rejection scores were then directly compared. RESULTS: Two hundred fourteen specimens reviewed showed significant similarities between swine and human skin, as previously published. Notable swine-specific characteristics, including paucicellular infiltration with rare epidermal cell infiltration or necrosis, were accounted for in a proposed grading system that parallels the Banff Criteria. CONCLUSIONS: This comprehensive grading system, based on the Banff Classification for skin rejection in VCA, provides a standardized system for more accurate comparison of rejection in preclinical swine VCA models.

Characterization of Clinical and Histological Rejection of Male Genital Tissues Using a Novel Microsurgical Rat Penile Transplantation Model.

BACKGROUND: Penis transplantation represents an exciting new avenue for restoration of male urogenitalia. However, little is known about the specific immunological features of penile transplants, limiting their application in complex urogenital reconstruction. To properly study this emerging form of transplantation, adequate preclinical models are a necessity. The purpose of this study is to establish a clinical and histological rejection classification of urogenital tissue transplants using a new rat heterotopic penile transplant model that includes preputial skin. METHODS: Syngeneic and allogeneic heterotopic penile transplantations were performed on Lewis and Brown Norway rats using a new model designed by our group. Grafts were clinically and histologically monitored at postoperative days (POD) 3-30. RESULTS: Six syngeneic and 25 allogeneic transplants were performed. All syngeneic and tacrolimus-treated grafts survived until endpoint. Allogeneic graft rejection is shown to follow a 4-stage clinical progression with all untreated allografts developing epidermal sloughing at POD7 and full rejecting between POD14 and POD16. Histological samples were used to develop a specific 4-grade rejection classification analogous to the 2007 Banff Criteria for skin-containing allografts. CONCLUSIONS: Graft skin and urethral lining tissue are first rejection targets followed by tunica albuginea and corpora cavernosa in a distal to proximal pattern. We established a robust and reproducible murine model to study the immunobiology of male genital tissue in the context of transplantation and developed a novel 4-grade clinical and histological rejection scale based on graft skin and urethral lining as the main targets of rejection.

Desensitization and Prevention of Antibody-Mediated Rejection in Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation by Syngeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Candidates for vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) are frequently sensitized, putting them at risk for antibody-mediated rejection. Current desensitization strategies are imperfect and require a living-donor setting. Here we investigated the impact of sensitization on and the efficacy of a desensitization protocol utilizing syngeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) to prevent antibody-mediated rejection in VCA. METHODS: Skin transplants from Dark Agouti to Lewis rats were performed for sensitization. Orthotopic hind limb transplants from Dark Agouti donors were performed to sensitized and nonsensitized recipients, and the animals were treated with either daily tacrolimus or no immunosuppression. A desensitization protocol consisting of total body irradiation, fludarabine, and syngeneic HSCT was applied to sensitized animals. Graft rejection was monitored by clinical assessment and histological analysis. Serum levels of donor-specific antibodies (DSA IgG) were measured using flow cytometry. RESULTS: Sensitized recipients exhibited accelerated rejection by 5.5 ± 1.2 days without immunosuppression and 10.2 ± 3.6 days with daily tacrolimus compared with 8.7 ± 1.2 days and longer than 30 days in nonsensitized recipients, respectively. Serum levels of DSA IgG were markedly elevated (37.3 ± 3.34-fold from baseline) in sensitized recipients after VCA and correlated with histologic evidence of rejection and C4d deposition. Desensitization significantly reduced DSA compared with sensitized controls (2.6 ± 0.5-fold vs 6.0 ± 1.2-fold, P < 0.01) and along with daily tacrolimus led to improved VCA survival longer than 30 days without evidence of C4d deposition (n = 6). CONCLUSIONS: In summary, sensitization leads to accelerated rejection of VCA, and syngeneic HSCT combined with conventional immunosuppression effectively reduces DSA and improves allograft survival in sensitized rats.

Health insurance determines antenatal, delivery and postnatal care utilisation: evidence from the Ghana Demographic and Health Surveillance data.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the effect of maternal health insurance status on the utilisation of antenatal, skilled delivery and postnatal care. DESIGN: A population-based cross-sectional study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: We utilised the 2008 Demographic and Health Survey data of Ghana, which included 2987 women who provided information on maternal health insurance status. PRIMARY OUTCOMES: Utilisation of antenatal, skilled delivery and postnatal care. STATISTICAL ANALYSES: Multivariable logistic regression was applied to determine the independent association between maternal health insurance and utilisation of antenatal, skilled delivery and postnatal care. RESULTS: After adjusting for socioeconomic, demographic and obstetric factors, we observed that among insured women the likelihood of having antenatal care increased by 96% (OR 1.96; 95% CI 1.52 to 2.52; p value<0.001) and of skilled delivery by 129% (OR 2.29; 95% CI 1.92 to 2.74; p value<0.001), while postnatal care among insured women increased by 61% (OR 1.61; 95% CI 1.17 to 2.21; p value<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that maternal health insurance status plays a significant role in the uptake of the maternal, neonatal and child health continuum of care service.