A FUNCTIONAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL STUDY OF INTRACRANIAL PARATHYROID ALLOGRAFTS IN THE DOG

Abstract

The ability of the intracranial site to support allogeneic transplants of parathyroid tissue was investigated in the beagle dog. Histological observations were correlated with functional results based upon serial serum calcium determinations and kinetic analysis. Eighteen intracranial grafts (nine from closely related donors) were studied. Although several implants contained viable parenchymal remnants at the time of necropsy, all were undergoing histological rejection. The functional studies suggest that while occasional evanescent function may occur, all allogeneic intracranial implants rapidly cease to function and this cessation of function precedes full histological rejection. It is concluded that in the beagle dog the intracranial site possesses no distinct privilege with regard to allogeneic tissue.