Abstract
We hypothesized chemokines are central regulators for the recruitment of leukocytes during graft rejection. In the present study we tested this hypothesis by examining the kinetics of chemokine expression in C57B1/6 to BALB/c heterotopic allograft and Lewis rat to BALB/c heterotopic xenograft heart transplant models. In xenografted hearts histological analysis indicated that moderate rejection was detected as early as day 3, characterized by lymphocytic/mononuclear infiltration. Immunohistochemical localization of chemokine expression showed that as early as day 1, leukocytes expressing RANTES. MIP-1a. and TCA3 were detected. By day three large numbers of b chemokine producing leukocytes could be detected in the xenografted hearts; this number increased by day 5. No chemokine producing cells could be identified in native hearts. RNA expression studies using RT-PCR on the same hearts showed similar results. The kinetics of expression of chemokines in xenografted hearts contrasts that found in allografted hearts, where very few RANTES and MIP-1b chemokine producing cells could be detected on day 3 but increased by days 5 and 7. Our data suggests: 1) Chemokine expression proceeds overt leukocye infiltration seen in routine pathological sections, indicating chemokines are central to the recruitment of leukocytes during graft rejection; and 2) Chemokine expression can be detected at earlier times in xenografts vs. allografts. suggesting the mechanism of stimulation of chemokine expression in the two models may be different.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | A1197 |
Journal | FASEB Journal |
Volume | 10 |
Issue number | 6 |
Publication status | Published - 1996 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus Subject Areas
- Biotechnology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics