Objective  To explore an approach for establishing rat models with in situ continuous renal perfusion, providing a convenient and reliable animal model for fundamental research of renal transplantation.

  Methods  According to the perfusion access, 30 female rats were randomly divided into three groups. In the right renal artery access group (n=10), wound suture under microscope was not required. In the abdominal aorta access group (n=10), the wound of abdominal aorta puncture was sutured under microscope. In the control group (n=10), the opening of the left renal artery was sutured under microscope, and bilateral kidneys were restored by different methods without affecting systemic circulation. The ovarian vein was utilized as the perfusion output. The success rates of continuous kidney perfusion and 2 h reperfusion were statistically compared among three groups.

  Results  In the right renal artery access group, the success rate of perfusion was 80% and 100% for 2 h reperfusion. In the abdominal aorta access group, the perfusion success rate achieved 100% and 80% for 2 h reperfusion. In the control group, the success rate of perfusion was calculated as 80% and 50% for 2 h reperfusion.

  Conclusions  Three types of rat models with in situ continuous kidney perfusion are successfully established. For microsurgery beginners, the technique of right renal artery access is most simple and reliable, followed by abdominal aorta access approach. For the surgeons with microsurgery skills, static cryopreservation of the right kidney and continuous perfusion preservation of the left kidney are highly recommended.