Our Summary

In this study, scientists conducted a two-step experiment on rats to explore the concept of organ transplant tolerance. They first transplanted intestines from one type of rat (Fischer F344) to another (Lewis rats). They then treated these rats with specific drugs to help their bodies accept the new organ. After a few months, they transplanted hearts from the same type of rats (F344) into these Lewis rats, without giving them any additional drugs to help with acceptance.

The results were promising. The hearts in the rats that received organs from the same type of rat continued to function after 30 days, but the hearts in those that received organs from a different type of rat stopped working after about 10 days.

The scientists did observe damage and inflammation in the transplanted hearts, indicating that the body’s immune system was reacting to the new organ. However, the rats that received organs from the same type of rat had higher levels of certain immune cells, which could have helped the organ survive longer.

This suggests that the successful second transplant might be due to what the scientists call “clinical tolerance” rather than “immunologic tolerance”. In other words, the body might not fully accept the new organ, but it’s able to tolerate it and keep it functioning.

This research could help us better understand how the body reacts to organ transplants, and could potentially improve the success rate of these procedures in the future.

FAQs

  1. What is the difference between “clinical tolerance” and “immunologic tolerance” in organ transplants?
  2. What was the significance of using the same type of rat for the second transplant in the study?
  3. How could this research potentially improve the success rate of organ transplants in the future?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient considering an intestinal transplant to be aware of the potential risks and challenges involved in the procedure. They may advise the patient to follow a strict post-transplant regimen, including taking prescribed medications to prevent rejection and attending regular follow-up appointments. It is important for the patient to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, to support the success of the transplant. Additionally, the patient should be aware of the signs of rejection or other complications and seek medical attention promptly if any concerns arise.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for intestinal transplant are those with end-stage intestinal failure, often due to conditions such as short bowel syndrome, necrotizing enterocolitis, or inflammatory bowel disease. These patients may have malnutrition, dehydration, and severe abdominal pain, and may not be able to absorb nutrients properly. Intestinal transplant can help improve their quality of life and overall health by allowing them to digest and absorb nutrients normally.

It is important for patients undergoing intestinal transplant to be in good overall health and to have a strong support system in place for post-transplant care. They will also need to be on lifelong immunosuppressive medication to prevent rejection of the transplanted organ.

In some cases, patients may also require a multi-organ transplant, such as a combined intestinal and liver transplant, if their liver is also affected by their underlying condition. Intestinal transplant is a complex procedure that should be carefully considered and discussed with a transplant team to determine if it is the best option for the patient.

Timeline

Before intestinal transplant:

  1. Patient undergoes extensive medical evaluation to determine if they are a suitable candidate for intestinal transplant.
  2. Patient is placed on the transplant waiting list and waits for a suitable donor organ to become available.
  3. Patient may undergo pre-transplant testing and preparation, including physical exams, blood tests, and imaging studies.
  4. Once a suitable donor organ is found, patient undergoes the intestinal transplant surgery.
  5. Patient is closely monitored in the hospital for any complications or rejection of the new organ.

After intestinal transplant:

  1. Patient continues to be closely monitored in the hospital for any complications or rejection of the new organ.
  2. Patient may experience side effects from the transplant surgery and immunosuppressive medications.
  3. Patient undergoes regular follow-up appointments with their transplant team to monitor the function of the new organ and adjust medications as needed.
  4. Patient may need to make lifestyle changes to support their new organ, such as following a strict diet and exercise regimen.
  5. Over time, patient may experience improvements in their overall health and quality of life as a result of the successful intestinal transplant.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about intestinal transplant include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with intestinal transplant surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery process after an intestinal transplant?
  3. What type of medication will I need to take after the transplant to prevent rejection?
  4. How often will I need to follow up with my transplant team after the surgery?
  5. Are there any lifestyle changes I need to make to support the success of the transplant?
  6. How successful are intestinal transplants in general, and what is the long-term prognosis?
  7. What can I expect in terms of quality of life after an intestinal transplant?
  8. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that I should consider before opting for an intestinal transplant?
  9. How experienced is the transplant team in performing intestinal transplants?
  10. What can I do to support the success of the transplant and minimize the risk of rejection?

Reference

Authors: Pengcheng W, Xiaosong L, Xiaofeng L, Zhongzhi L. Journal: Exp Clin Transplant. 2017 Feb;15(1):89-95. PMID: 28122485