Uterine rejection after allogeneic uterus transplantation in the rat is effectively suppressed by tacrolimus

Objective To evaluate the effects of the immunosuppressant tacrolimus on rejection of a transplanted uterus and on uterine expression of markers of inflammation and implantation. Design Experimental study. Setting University laboratory. Animal(s) Female rats. Intervention(s) Uteri from brown Norway rats were transplanted to Lewis rats, receiving either tacrolimus or no treatment. Sham groups underwent either hemihysterectomy or tacrolimus treatment. Main Outcome Measure(s) Gross morphology, histology, density of T-lymphocytes by immunohistochemistry, and mRNA levels of interleukin (IL)-1α, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), galectin-1, CD200, IL-15, interferon-inducible protein-10 (IP-10), a…