Local administration of Mitomycin-C-Treated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) prolongs allograft survival in vascularized composite allotransplantation

Background VCA offers a potential treatment for extensive tissue defects. First results of systemic administration of Mitomycin C‐treated PBMCs in VCA demonstrated a significant prolongation of allograft survival. The aim of this study is to evaluate if local administration of MMC‐PBMCs prolongs allograft survival in allogeneic hind limb transplantations of the rat. Methods Sixty allogeneic hind limb transplantations in the rat were performed in six groups. Lewis rats (LEW) were used as hind limb donors and Brown–Norway rats (BN) as recipients. Animals in group A received donor‐derived MMC‐treated PBMCs locally (i.m.). Group B received no immunosuppressive therapy, group C received a standard immunosuppressive regime consisting of FK506 and Prednisolon, group D (BN to BN) comprised isograft transplantations without immunosuppressive treatment, group E received non‐treated PBMCs (i.m.) and group F received phosphate buffered saline (PBS) without cells. The transplanted hind limbs were assessed for color, edema, skin, hair condition, and consistency of the thigh every 8 hours. Results Rejection in group A was delayed to an average of 7.2 ± 0.6 days. Survival times were significantly prolonged (P