Experimental model for graft -versus-host disease in rat limb allotransplantation

Graft versus-host disease (GVHD) is a potentially fatal immune-regulated injury occurring unpredictably in solid organ and bone marrow transplant recipients. This model attempts the incidence of potentially lethal GVHD in limb transplants. Two inbred rat strains ACI and Lewis with a strong major and minor histocompatibility locus mismatch were studied. The perspectives of this model are study the incidence of GVHD in limb transplant, determine the best model for the study of the GVHD in limb transplant and prevention and treatment concerning the GVHD.