Rabbit submandibular salivary gland replantation

• Published in: Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Vol. 43; no. 5; pp. 299 - 304
• Main Authors: Almansoori, Akram A., Khentii, Namuun, Hei, Wei-Hong, Seo, Nari, Lee, Sung-Ho, Kim, Soung Min, Lee, Jong Ho
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) 대한구강악안면외과학회 01.10.2017; Korean Association Of Oral And Maxillofacial Surgeons; The Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
• Subjects: Original; 치의학; Submandibular gland; Rabbits; Replantation
• ISSN: 2234-7550; 2234-5930
• DOI: 10.5125/jkaoms.2017.43.5.299

To test the feasibility of submandibular salivary gland (SMG) replantation techniques and the survival of the replanted glands. Such a study can provide a rationale for later allotransplantation procedures, along with implementation of conventional and advanced immunosuppression therapy. Six SMG replantations were performed in New Zealand white rabbits. One week postoperatively, Tc scintigraphy was performed and the uptake ratio and salivary excretion fraction were calculated. Two to four weeks later, submandibular glands were excised, fixed, and stained with H&E for histomorphometric evaluation. Intraoperatively, all glands showed patent blood perfusion except gland 5. Positive tracer uptake and saliva excretion were documented by scintigraphy. On excision, all of the glands except glands 4 and 5 looked viable, with a red color and patent pedicles. Gland 4 was infected and filled with creamy pus, while gland 5 looked pale and necrotic. Histologically, glands 1, 2, 3, and 6 had preserved normal glandular tissue with slight variations from the contralateral normal glands, as their parenchyma was composed of mildly atrophic acini. Four out of six replanted SMGs successfully survived. The glands maintained good viability and function. Such success depends on safe harvesting, short anastomosis time, and strict control of infection.