Experimental Craniofacial Composite Tissue Allotransplantation (CCTA) Models in Rats

Rats are the most frequently used animals in composite tissue allotransplantation (CTA) studies and most craniofacial composite tissue transplantation models are described in rats. During the last 10 years, a total of 8 different craniofacial composite tissue allotransplantation (CCTA) models have designed and developed in rats. These models include full face/scalp transplants, hemiface transplants, composite hemiface/calvarium transplants, rat maxilla allotransplants, composite osteomusculocutaneous hemiface/mandible/tongue flap transplants, composite midface allotransplants, total osteocutaneous hemifacial allotransplantation model and composite face and eyeball allotransplant model with optic nerve. All these models provide a basic and scientific foundation for future success in CTA in the clinical setting. This review presents different experimental models of CCTA in rats which are relevant to observed in clinical scenario cases of severe facial deformities. [Arch Clin Exp Surg 2012; 1(3.000): 181-187