Development of hypoparathyroidism animal model and the feasibility of small intestinal submucosa application on the parathyroid autotransplantation

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of small intestinal submucosa (SIS) application on the parathyroid autotransplantation in a rat model of hypoparathyroidism. The rats were divided into four groups: NC (no procedure, n = 5), PTX (total parathyroidectomy, n = 6), PT (total parathyroidectomy and parathyroid autotransplantation, n = 10) and PT + SIS group (total parathyroidectomy and parathyroid autotransplantation with SIS, n = 10). The levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, and phosphorous were measured on 0, 3, 7, 21, 56 and 84 days after surgery. PTH level was expressed as median (interquartile range) and histological and immunohistochemical examinations were performed. PTH levels were significantly decreased to “not detectable level” from day 3 in PTX group. PTH was not detected in both PT and PT + SIS groups on the 21st day. On the 56th day, PTH levels were increased in both groups: 3 out of 8 rats (37.5 %) in the PT group, 6 out of 9 rats (66.7 %) in the PT + SIS group. The PTH level was fully recovered to its preoperative range on the day 84 as 6 of 8 rats (75 %) of the PT group and 7 of 9 rats (77.8 %) of the PT + SIS group were recovered; the PTH levels were 117.84 and 178.36 pg/ml, respectively. The neo-vascularization was well observed around the parathyroid tissue, and the number of new vessels formed was higher in the PT + SIS group (15 vessels/high power field) as compared to the PT group (10 vessels/high power field). This study showed the feasibility and the treatment effect of SIS as the success rate of autotransplantation of parathyroid tissue was significantly increased without severe inflammatory response in hypothyroidism animal model.