Objectives: We compared the outcomes of two different doses of FK506 (tacrolimus) for immunosuppression in submandibular salivary gland (SMG) allotransplantation. Materials and Methods: Three SMG allotransplantation groups were established (n=6 per group) as follows: allograft rejection control (Allo-Ctrl), low dose (0.08 mg/kg) of FK506 (FK506-L), and high dose (0.16 mg/kg) of FK506 (FK506-H). Allograft survival and rejection were assessed by clinical observation, interleukin-2 levels as determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, blood sampling for complete blood count (CBC), and histological evaluation. Results: Body weight and anorexia were higher in the FK506-H group but without a significant difference compared with the FK506-L population. CBC revealed a non-significantly reduced number of changes in the FK506-L group. Four glands in the FK506-H group and two glands in the FK506- L group were viable and functioning post-transplantation. Conclusion The survival rate of allotransplanted glands was higher in conjunction with the high dose of 0.16 mg/kg of FK506, with no major difference in the side-effect profile when compared with the low dose of 0.08 mg/kg short-term outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: 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. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six SMG replantations were performed in New Zealand white rabbits. One week postoperatively, (99m)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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.
Immunosuppression ; Perfusion ; Rabbits ; Radionuclide Imaging ; Replantation* ; Saliva ; Salivary Elimination ; Salivary Glands* ; Submandibular Gland ; Suppuration

OBJECTIVES: 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. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six SMG replantations were performed in New Zealand white rabbits. One week postoperatively, (99m)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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.
Immunosuppression ; Perfusion ; Rabbits ; Radionuclide Imaging ; Replantation* ; Saliva ; Salivary Elimination ; Salivary Glands* ; Submandibular Gland ; Suppuration