Development of an experimental model for vascularized adrenal gland transplantation in rats

Aim: The adrenal gland is a vital endocrine organ responsible for maintaining physiological homeostasis. Bilateral adrenalectomy results in adrenal insufficiency, requiring lifelong hormone replacement therapy. This study aimed to establish a reproducible experimental model for vascularized adrenal gland transplantation in rats. Materials and methods: = 10 each): control and transplantation. The control group underwent bilateral total adrenalectomy. In the transplantation group, vascularized adrenal grafts-including the adrenal artery and vein with attached aortic and inferior vena cava segments-were anastomosed end-to-side to the recipient's femoral artery and vein using 10-0 nylon sutures under general anesthesia. On postoperative day 15, all recipients underwent bilateral adrenalectomy. On day 100, animals were sacrificed for macroscopic and histopathological evaluation of graft viability. Results: All control rats died within 15 days, whereas all transplanted rats survived throughout the 100-day observation period. Macroscopic inspection revealed viable grafts without vascular compromise. Histopathological analysis demonstrated preserved cortical and medullary architecture, confirming the long-term viability of the transplanted adrenal glands. Conclusion: This study presents a technically feasible and reproducible model for vascularized adrenal gland transplantation in rats. The model provides a reliable experimental platform for future research on adrenal physiology and transplantation surgery.