A Novel Lymphosome-Based Long-Lasting Rat Tail Model of Lymphedema
Chen J., Wang Y., Tu S., Zhou Y., Qin H., Tang Z.
Animal Study, published in J Reconstr Microsurg (2026) — summary generated from the PubMed abstract.
Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.
- Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
- Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
- Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
- Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
- Emerging · Emerging topic under active research
This page is generated from the PubMed record. The Thai description is an automated summary of bibliographic fields and the abstract, not a full translation, and is not medical advice.
- Study type
- Animal Study
- Journal
- J Reconstr Microsurg (2026)
- Reported sample size
- —
- Source database
- Europe PMC
- PMID
- 40840541
- PMCID
- PMC13286090
- DOI
- 10.1055/a-2687-0506
Abstract (original English)
Background Secondary extremity lymphedema is a chronic and progressive condition caused by obstructed lymphatic drainage, commonly following lymphadenectomy, infection, or trauma. Rodent models are preferred for experimental lymphedema research due to cost-effectiveness and reproducibility. Currently, rat tail models encounter limitations due to transient swelling and their inability to fully replicate the comprehensive pathophysiology of lymphedema, particularly concerning the effects of lymph node removal. Methods We developed a series of rat tail lymphedema models incorporating skin resection, deep lymphatic vessel disruption, and gluteal lymph node (GLN) excision to assess effects on lymphatic architecture, inflammation, and fibrosis. Indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography was used to visualize lymphatic function. Tail volume and circumference were measured weekly, and histological assessments quantified fibrosis and fibroadipose thickening. Bulk RNA sequencing was performed to characterize the inflammatory processes triggered by GLN removal. Results The combined model (skin removal, deep lymphatic disruption, and GLN excision) resulted in severe and persistent lymphedema marked by progressive swelling and pronounced fibrosis. ICG lymphography confirmed disruption of superficial lymphatic flow with partial recanalization of deep channels. Notably, lymphangiogenesis was observ
What this study does not prove
- • This study does not prove SVF is an approved treatment or a replacement for standard care.
- • This is preclinical work; animal or laboratory results cannot be applied to humans.
Evidence level
Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.
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