A Rat Cremaster Transplantation Model for Microscopic Evaluation of the Effects of Preservation Solutions on Tissue Injury.

Ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) is often the final and irreversible factor causing flap failure in microvascular surgery for reconstruction of complex defects. Use of vascularised composite tissue allografts (CTA's) may lead to a reduction of donor site morbidity and functional loss. Of all tissues present in CTA's, muscle is one of the least tolerant to ischemia. The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility of a transplantation of the cremaster in rats and to assess effects of a preservation solution on IRI. IRI leads to decreased capillary. Authors developed a useful model for the observation of the microcirculation in the rat cremaster muscle after transplantation and to assess the effects of Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketoglutarate on IRI. Transplantation of the cremaster did not induce a major change in capillary perfusion.