Uterus allotransplantation in cynomolgus macaque: a preliminary experience with non-human primate models.

Abstract

AIM:

Uterine transplantation (UTx) is a potential option for child-bearing in women with uterine infertility. Recovery of uterine function after allogeneic UTx in non-human primates has not been reported. The objective of this study is to establish the functional uterine transplant model in non-human primates.

METHODS:

Uteri of two cynomolgus monkeys were simultaneously removed, cooled at 4°C and perfused with heparin saline. The uteri were interchanged with each other and then orthotopically transplanted. Immunosuppressive protocols included use of three agents (tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil and methylprednisolone) in case 1 and two agents (tacrolimus and methylprednisolone) in case 2. Transabdominal ultrasonography, vaginoscopy and biopsy of the transplanted uterine cervix were routinely conducted to monitor rejection after surgery.

RESULTS:

The blood concentration of tacrolimus decreased 11 days after surgery and evidence of rejection was found in biopsy of the uterine cervix in both cases. The suspected rejection disappeared 23 days after surgery in case 1 and temporary menstruation resumed at 3 months after surgery. In case 2, blood flow to the uterine artery gradually decreased and the uterus resulted in atrophy due to ischemia, which has been triggered by rejection.

CONCLUSION:

Allogeneic UTx in the cynomolgus monkeys resulted in temporary recovery of menstruation with three immunosuppressants and uterine atrophy with two immunosuppressants. This preliminary experience suggests that recovery of uterine function after allogeneic UTx in non-human primates is possible but more experiments are required.

• Authors: Iori Kisu, Makoto Mihara, Kouji Banno, Hisako Hara, Yohei Masugi, Jun Araki, Takuya Iida, Yohei Yamada, Yojiro Kato, Takashi Shiina, Nobuhiko Suganuma, Daisuke Aoki
• Journal: The journal of obstetrics and gynaecology research (J Obstet Gynaecol Res) Vol. 40 Issue 4 Pg. 907-18 (Apr 2014) ISSN: 1447-0756 [Electronic] Australia
• PMID: 24612366 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research © 2014 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Chemical References

• Immunosuppressive Agents

Topics

• Animals
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Female
• Graft Rejection (prevention & control)
• Immunosuppressive Agents (therapeutic use)
• Macaca fascicularis
• Menstruation
• Transplantation, Homologous
• Uterus (immunology, physiology, transplantation)