transplant /trans″plant, transplant″/ [L, transplantare] , 1. v., to transfer an organ or tissue from one person to another or from one body part to another to replace a diseased structure, restore function, or change appearance. Skin and kidneys are the most frequently transplanted structures. Others include cartilage, bone, bone marrow, corneal tissue, parts of blood vessels and tendons, hearts, lungs, and livers. Preferred donors are identical twins or people having the same blood type and immunological characteristics. Success of the transplant depends on overcoming the rejection of the donor tissue by the recipient’s immune system. With the patient under local or general anesthesia, the recipient site is prepared, and the donor structure is grafted in place. Its oxygenation and blood supply are preserved during the procedure until the circulation can be restored at the new site. After surgery circulation in the area is observed for signs of impairment. Antirejection drugs are given to suppress the production of antibodies to the foreign tissue proteins. Signs of rejection reaction include fever, pain, and loss of function, usually occurring in the first 4 to 10 days after transplantation. An abscess may form if the reaction is not subdued promptly. The grafted structure may require several weeks to become established. Late rejection may occur several months or even 1 year later. 2. n., any tissue or organ that is transplanted. 3. adj., pertaining to a tissue or organ that is transplanted, a recipient of a donated tissue or organ, or a phenomenon associated with the procedure. Also called graft, transplantation.
