Uterine rejection after allogeneic uterus transplantation in the rat is effectively suppressed by tacrolimus.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of the immunosuppressant tacrolimus on rejection of a transplanted uterus and on uterine expression of markers of inflammation and implantation.

Design: Experimental study.

Setting: University laboratory.

Effects of immunosuppression by cyclosporine A on allogenic uterine transplant in the rat.

Objective(s): Research on uterine transplantation (UTx) is conducted in preparation for its introduction in the human as a treatment for absolute uterine factor infertility. A major area of research in experimental animals is to ascertain that immunosuppressants that will be used at UTx do not negatively affect the potential of the uterus to implant an embryo and to carry a pregnancy to term. This study investigates the effects on a uterine transplant in the rat of the calcineurin inhibitor, cyclosporine A (CsA), on uterine morphology and expression patterns of some mediators involved in implantation/inflammation.

Pregnancy after syngeneic uterus transplantation and spontaneous mating in the rat.

Background: Uterus transplantation (UTx) research aims towards the introduction of UTx as a treatment for uterine factor infertility. The rat model is the principal rodent model used and this study aims to assess the potential for pregnancy and to assess effects on pregnancy outcome.

Methods: Female Lewis rats underwent hysterectomy and received syngeneic uterine transplants (with one horn removed) by end-to-side anastomosis between the common iliac vessels of the recipient and the graft.

Experimental uterus transplantation.

Background: Uterus transplantation (UTx) is developed in animal models as a future method to treat uterine factor infertility.

Methods: All published studies in the area of UTx research were identified. Aspects relating to surgery, cold-ischemia/reperfusion, rejection, immunosuppression, pregnancy, ethics and institutional requirements were examined.

Uterus transplantation in the rat: model development, surgical learning and morphological evaluation of healing.

Objective: Experimental uterus transplantation is a growing research field with the aim to develop a treatment for women with absolute uterus factor infertility. The potential risks of surgery and immunosuppressive treatment involved in uterus transplantation need to be identified and minimized in appropriate animal models before clinical trials commence. The aim of the present study was to develop and evaluate a model for uterus transplantation in the rat that can be reproduced and used in future studies concerning critical aspects of uterine function after transplantation.

Uterus transplantation: how far away from human trials?

Uterus transplantation is being developed as a possible future method to treat uterus factor infertility. This commentary gives an overview of the animal research that has been conducted in preparation for human uterus transplantation. In addition, requirements for further specific research activities within the field are identified.

Transplantation of the uterus in sheep: methodology and early reperfusion events.

Aim: Uterine transplantation is developing into a clinical treatment for uterine factor infertility. An animal model with a similar uterus size and vessels to humans and with pregnancy extending over several months would be beneficial for research on uterine transplantation. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate autotransplantation of the sheep uterus to an orthotopic position in the pelvis.

Transplantation of the uterus in the sheep: oxidative stress and reperfusion injury after short-time cold storage.

Objective: To study the effects of cold ischemia and reperfusion after transplantation of the sheep uterus and to compare the preservation solution Perfadex (Vitrolife, Mölndal, Sweden) with Ringer's acetate.

Design: Experimental animal study.

Setting: University hospital.

Uterus transplantation: where do we stand today and where should we go?

If transplantation of the uterus is developed into a safe method with a reasonable chance for the patient to carry an uneventful pregnancy, this procedure could become a feasible fertility treatment for women with absolute uterus factor infertility. The activity in this research field is growing and during the past 5 years several reports have been published. In this brief review the authors summarize the state of research in this field and also speculate on what might lie ahead.

Auto-transplantation of the uterus in the domestic pig (Sus scrofa): Surgical technique and early reperfusion events.

Aim: To develop a method for auto-transplantation of the uterus in the pig and to evaluate the early reperfusion events after short-term cold ischemia.

Methods: The bicornate uterus, with the cervix but without ovaries, was dissected and isolated with its bilateral feeding and draining vessels. The uterine arteries were cannulated in situ and the uterus was flushed with heparinized Ringer Acetate.

Uterine transplantation.

Uterine factor infertility is either due to congenital malformation or acquired. Most women with uterine factor infertility have no chance to become genetic mothers, except by the use of gestational surrogacy. The logical but radical approach for treatment would be replacement of the unfunctional or absent uterus.

Transplantation of the uterus.

Most women with uterine factor infertility have today no prospect of carrying a pregnancy to term. The development of a method for transplantation of the human uterus would be a means for many of these women to become both genetic and gestational mothers. In this article we review the literature concerning the history and recent development in the area of uterine transplantation.