In order to harness the potential of metanephroi allotransplantation to the generation of a functional kidney graft on demand, we must achieve further growth post-transplantation. Sildenafil citrate (SC) is widely known as a useful inductor of angiogenesis, offering renoprotective properties due to its anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and antiapoptotic effects. Here, we performed a laparoscopic metanephroi allotransplantation after embedding sildenafil citrate into the retroperitoneal fat of non-immunosuppressed adult rabbit hosts. Histology and histomorphometry were used to examine the morphofunctional changes in new kidneys 21 days post-transplantation. Immunofluorescence of E-cadherin and renin and erythropoietin gene expression were used to assess the tubule integrity and endocrine functionality. After the metanephroi were embedded in a 10 µM SC solution, the new kidneys' weights become increased significantly. The E-cadherin expression together with the renin and erythropoietin gene expression revealed its functionality, while histological mature glomeruli and hydronephrosis proved the new kidneys' excretory function. Thus, we have described a procedure through the use of SC that improves the outcomes after a metanephroi transplantation. This study gives hope to a pathway that could offer a handsome opportunity to overcome the kidney shortage.
Keywords: kidney; metanephros; organogenesis; regenerative medicine; transplantation.