HOMEOPLASTIC TRANSPLANTATION OF ADRENAL GLANDS IN RATS OF INBRED STRAINS

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Abstract
Two widely separated strains of rats, each known to have been inbred for many generations, were selected. Rats of one of these strains was of high efficiency in utilization of food and the other of low efficiency. The following expts. were made: 1. The adrenal glands were exchanged between 12 pairs of adult sisters of the high efficiency strain. 2. The adrenal glands were exchanged between 9 pairs of adult distant cousins of the high efficiency strain. 3. The adrenal glands were exchanged between 7 pairs of adult sisters of the low efficiency strain. 4. The adrenal glands were exchanged between 13 rats of the high efficiency strain and 13 rats of the low efficiency strain. In all exchanges the rats were matched as to age and body wt. and the glands were grafted to the ovaries. All animals which lived 4 mos. were explored and the grafts, together with the ovaries, were removed. The survival time of each animal following removal of the grafts was noted. Of 56 animals grafted with adrenal glands taken from animals within their respective strain. 48 animals survived with viable cortical tissue. The grafts in 8 rats degenerated completely and the animals died of adrenal insufficiency soon after grafting. Of 26 animals grafted with adrenal glands taken from animals of the other strain, 25 animals died of adrenal insufficiency and the grafts were extensively infiltrated with lymphocytes and giant cells. One lived 120 days but was found to have accessory adrenal tissue. Its grafts had likewise degenerated. Close similarity in the genetic constitution of donor and host is essential for the regeneration and function of homeografts of the adrenal gland.

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