Treadmill training for hindlimb transplanted rats

Functional improvement is an important concern for a composite allograft with motor function. As the procedure of rat composite limb transplantation is a well-established model, we focused on the effects of rehabilitation using this model. We performed the rat hindlimb transplantation in syngenic combination using a modified method confirming the processes of vessel anastomosis step-by-step that maintains good vascular patency. We studied the impact of treadmill training on hindlimb transplantated rats using Rodent Robot 3000 (Robomedica). Functional recovery was evaluated electro-physiologically after training. All transplants were conducted successfully. The “drop foot” condition improved in rats that were subjected to a training program. However, there were no significant differences in muscle atrophy improvement or denervation potential as determined by electromyography. This study is the first to detail the effects of rehabilitation on rat limb transplantation. This model is useful for the study of functional improvement for limb transplantation. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 2007.