The allografted parathyroid gland: evaluation of function in the immunosuppressed host

Ann Surg. 1974 Dec;180(6):805-13. doi: 10.1097/00000658-197412000-00001.

Abstract

Parathyroid autografts were performed in 19 random bred mongrels and parathyroid allografts were exchanged between seven random bred mongrels. Three pairs of siblings from a beagle colony were immunosuppressed and parathyroid allografts exchanged between them. The parathyroid autografts were successful, while parathyroid allografts failed on all occasions in the non-immunosuppressed host. In immunosuppressed animals, however, the allografts were successful in five of six dogs. The success of parathyroid transplantation was determined by the following observations: 1) The experimental animal, having grafted parathyroid tissue as the only source of hormone, maintained a normal or near normal serum calcium concentration. 2) Following removal of the parathyroid graft, there was an immediate fall in the serum calcium concentration associated with tetany and/or death. 3) Histological study of the grafted gland revealed normal architecture, and 4) Radioimmunoassay of extracted grafts revealed moderate to large quantities of parathyroid hormone.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antilymphocyte Serum / pharmacology
  • Azathioprine / pharmacology
  • Calcium / blood
  • Calcium, Dietary
  • Diet
  • Dogs
  • Histocompatibility Testing
  • Immunosuppression Therapy*
  • Lymphocyte Culture Test, Mixed
  • Methods
  • Methylprednisolone / pharmacology
  • Parathyroid Glands / cytology
  • Parathyroid Glands / physiology
  • Parathyroid Glands / transplantation*
  • Parathyroid Hormone / analysis
  • Phosphorus
  • Rabbits / immunology
  • Radioimmunoassay
  • Tetany / etiology
  • Transplantation Immunology*
  • Transplantation, Autologous
  • Transplantation, Homologous

Substances

  • Antilymphocyte Serum
  • Calcium, Dietary
  • Parathyroid Hormone
  • Phosphorus
  • Azathioprine
  • Calcium
  • Methylprednisolone