Fetal adrenal transplantation: Success of a laparoscopic technique in rats

Background/Purpose: The present study investigates a new laparoscopic technique for fetal adrenal transplantation in rats. Results: The procedure was successful in 9 of 10 cases (one hole in the omentum) with no postoperative complications. On examination 4 weeks postoperatively, all but one graft showed macroscopic integrity, vascular supply, and histological maturation to normal zonal differentiation. When bilateral adrenalectomy was performed in the recipient to assess endocrine competence of the fetal adrenal grafts, survival was prolonged and Addison crisis was prevented in the animals that underwent transplantation. Levels of aldosterone dropped within the first week after adrenalectomy, but recovered steadily. Analysis of corticosterone demonstrated that levels fell to 25% of sham operated rats in the first week, but then steadily climbed to 70%. Conclusions: To the authors' knowledge this report presents the first study for laparoscopic transplantation of fetal tissues. Laparoscopic transplantation of fetal adrenal glands seemed feasible and successful in rats. The fetal adrenal transplants matured and served for a prolonged survival.