Size discrepancy: not a formidable problem in a mouse heterotopic aortic transplant.

Objectives: We sought to develop a better approach in establishing a heterotopic aortic transplant model. Materials and Methods: We used "sleeve" operation and set up 2 heterotopic aortic transplant experimental groups (groups 1 and 2). In group 1, donors (BALB/c (H-2(d)) mice; weight, 25-30 g) had the same weight as the recipients (C57BL/6 (H-2(d)) mice; weight, 25-30 g); in group 2, donors had lower weights (BALB/c (H-2d) mice, weight, 15-20 g). Grafts were examined macroscopically and histologically 60 days after the transplant. Results: The thrombosis incidence was 10% in group 1 (5 of 50) and 2% in group 2 (1 of 50) (P < .05). Intestinal obstructions led to a high mortality rate in both groups: 8% in group 1 and 10% in group 2 (P < .05). Conclusions: The issue of size discrepancy between donor and recipient aortas is not a problem in a heterotopic aortic transplant model with the use of a sleeve technique, while the high incidence of intestinal obstructions must be considered.