Parathyroid allotransplantation in rabbits without cultivation

Abstract

Permanent hypoparathyroidism is a serious clinical situation. Allotransplantation of the parathyroid cells is relatively new approach to treatment. Non-cultivated allotransplantation in rabbits is not tried before. In this research parathyroidectomy was performed in six female New Zealand white rabbits. After division of surgically removed tissues into two, cryopreservation after cell isolation was done. Non-cultivated cross allotransplantation was performed under immunosuppression. Serum calcium and phosphorus levels were observed 15 days and histopathological analyses of the transplanted parathyroid tissues were studied. Significant changes in serum calcium and phosphorus levels during the experiment were observed (p=0.001 for both). Calcium levels which were significantly dropped to 6.66 +/- 0.7 mg/dL after parathyroidectomy and progressively increased up to 15.98 +/- 1.25 mg/dL at the end of the experiment (p=0.004). Phosphorus levels which were increased to 9.38 +/- 0.63 mg/dL after parathyroidectomy and stabilized to 4.46 +/- 1.06 mg/dL at the end of the experiment (p=0.007). All allotransplanted parathyroid tissues showed normal tissue architecture without evidence of cellular rejection. In conclusion allotransplantation of the parathyroid tissues without cultivation may be considered as an alternative and safe approach for the treatment of permanent hypoparathyroidism.