Rodent animal research in utx

Abstract

The rodents, mouse, and rat represent well-characterized animal sources for basic research in any field of biological sciences. The animals are cheap compared to other type of animals, easy to husbandry, and are extremely well characterized from genetic and physiology point of views, especially when it comes to immunological and reproductive aspects. Availability of gene-modified strains, easy embryo transfer, and the accessibility of specific recombinant proteins and monoclonal antibodies are further advantages. Hence, the first experiments done in the modern era of uterus transplantation used mouse and rat as the main animal models. In this chapter, we describe important key steps of the uterus transplantation procedure with research in rodents, including surgical technique, ischemia-reperfusion damage, rejection patterns, immunosuppression, and fertility.