Appraisal of the porcine kidney autotransplantation model

Abstract

Animal models are extensively used for transplantation related research, especially kidney transplantation. Porcine autotransplantation models are considered to be favorable regarding translatability to the human setting. The key determinants for translatability of the model are discussed, comprising animal age, development, anatomy, anesthesia and surgical protocols, and perioperative care. With the detailed discussion of these determinants and the pitfalls in diagnosing animal discomfort, an attempt is made to provide a uniform porcine kidney autotransplantation model with tools to improve currently used models.

Optimal Flow and Pressure Management in Machine Perfusion Systems for Organ Preservation

“…After approval of the animal ethics committee (BEX 102084) and in accordance with the principles of laboratory animal care, two non-heartbeating kidneys from two healthy, 50-kg female Landrace pigs were retrieved as previously described14 and connected to the preservation system. The kidneys were perfused for 6 h via the renal artery with free venous outflow.…”

Characterization and quantification of porcine circulating endothelial cells

“…Following approval of the institute's animal ethics committee, whole blood was obtained through an 18‐G ear vein cannula in 50‐kg female Landrace pigs (n = 14). The blood was drawn directly after the pigs, used for surgical training purposes, were anesthetized by intramuscular premedication as described previously, before any surgical procedures were carried out . The firstly drawn 7.5 ml of blood was used as positive control for endovascular damage , after which the directly following 5 ml was collected in an EDTA tube (BD Biosciences) for baseline CEC quantification .…”

Editor’s inaugural issue foreword: perspectives on translational and clinical research

“…The vast majority of experimental procedures cannot be carried out ethically or legally in humans if not preceded by proper proof-of-concept-, pharmacodynamics-, pharmacokinetics-, and toxicological / safety studies in animal models. The ethical and legal predicates notwithstanding, animal models have been shown to possess translational value in numerous non-oncological research fields such as obesity [22], transplantation [23, 24], and infectious diseases [25], to name a few. Their use is further necessitated by the fact that good alternatives for research that exacts the presence of a systemic circulation and detoxification organs are currently lacking.…”