Domestic Species Research in Uterus Transplantation

Abstract

The domestic species that have been used in modern research in UTx are the pig and the sheep. An advantage of these animals, as compared to most other experimental animals, is their similarity in size of body, uterus, and vasculature to humans. Initial experiments were performed with the pig to evaluate anastomosis sites, surgical technique, and short-term reperfusion events. Later long-term evaluation was done with evaluation of graft survival after allogeneic transplantation. During the last 10 years, the sheep has emerged as the primary animal of the domestic species for research and training in uterus transplantation. Studies have explored surgical variations, ischemic tolerance, and reperfusion events. Moreover, fertility was demonstrated both after autologous and allogeneic uterus transplantation in the sheep. This species is now the preferred animal model for pre-human team training in uterus transplantation.