移植物浸润T淋巴细胞肿瘤坏死因子相关凋亡诱导配体及受体DR4和DR5表达与大鼠小肠移植急性排斥反应的相关性

目的 探讨浸润T淋巴细胞七的DR4、DR5表达同小肠移植急性排斥反应的关系.方法 将2种近交系大鼠(SD、Wistar)54只按随机配对法分为A、B、C3组.A组大鼠为对照组(18只)行虚拟手术;B组(18只)大鼠行同系小肠移植;C组(18只)大鼠行不同品系小肠移植.各组大鼠于术后5 d取移植肠样本分别做HE染色和免疫荧光双标记染色.采用免疫荧光染色、激光共聚焦技术测定各组标本浸润T淋巴细胞肿瘤坏死因相关凋亡诱导配体及DR4、DR5的表达情况.结果 A组大鼠小肠黏膜正常,B组大鼠小肠表现为免疫耐受,C组大鼠表现为急性排斥反应.C组大鼠高T淋巴细胞表达肿瘤坏死因子相关凋亡诱导配体与A、B组大鼠比较差异有统计学意义(P < 0.01);A、B组大鼠浸润T淋巴细胞DR4、DR5均呈高表达,C组大鼠呈低表达,C组大鼠与A、B组比较差异有统计学意义(P < 0.01);A、B组大鼠比较差异无统计学意义(P > 0.05).结论 急性排斥反应的发生可能与浸润T淋巴细胞DR的低表达有关.减少浸润淋巴细胞DR表达的下调,或者上调DR将有助于控制急性排斥反应,诱导免疫耐受.     

移植物浸润T淋巴细胞肿瘤坏死因子相关凋亡诱导配体及受体DR4和DR5表达与大鼠小肠移植急性排斥反应的相关性

目的 探讨浸润T淋巴细胞七的DR4、DR5表达同小肠移植急性排斥反应的关系.方法 将2种近交系大鼠(SD、Wistar)54只按随机配对法分为A、B、C3组.A组大鼠为对照组(18只)行虚拟手术;B组(18只)大鼠行同系小肠移植;C组(18只)大鼠行不同品系小肠移植.各组大鼠于术后5 d取移植肠样本分别做HE染色和免疫荧光双标记染色.采用免疫荧光染色、激光共聚焦技术测定各组标本浸润T淋巴细胞肿瘤坏死因相关凋亡诱导配体及DR4、DR5的表达情况.结果 A组大鼠小肠黏膜正常,B组大鼠小肠表现为免疫耐受,C组大鼠表现为急性排斥反应.C组大鼠高T淋巴细胞表达肿瘤坏死因子相关凋亡诱导配体与A、B组大鼠比较差异有统计学意义(P < 0.01);A、B组大鼠浸润T淋巴细胞DR4、DR5均呈高表达,C组大鼠呈低表达,C组大鼠与A、B组比较差异有统计学意义(P < 0.01);A、B组大鼠比较差异无统计学意义(P > 0.05).结论 急性排斥反应的发生可能与浸润T淋巴细胞DR的低表达有关.减少浸润淋巴细胞DR表达的下调,或者上调DR将有助于控制急性排斥反应,诱导免疫耐受.     

大鼠小肠移植排斥反应时外周血T淋巴细胞上CD2分子的表达

目的探讨大鼠小肠移植急性排斥反应时外周血T淋巴细胞上CD2分子的表达。方法实验分3组进行,A组为假手术对照组(n=18),给予普通饲料喂养;B组(n=18)行SD大鼠到SD大鼠的同系小肠移植,术后常规补液,给予抗生素;C组(n=18)行SD大鼠到Wistar大鼠的小肠移植,术后处理同B组。各组于术后3、5、7d取肝素抗凝血,行流式细胞术检测,同时取移植肠组织,进行病理学检查。结果术后C组动物的存活时间为(7.0±2.1)d,B组为(33.3±2.3)d,A组>90d,C组与A、B组相比,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);术后3、5、7d的外周血CD2阳性T淋巴细胞,A组分别为70.2%、69.8%和70.3%;B组为71.3%、69.7%和70.2%;C组为95.6%、88.1%和81.2%,C组各时点的CD2阳性细胞均高于A、B组相应时点(P<0.05);C组移植肠可见排斥反应的病理改变,且随术后时间的延长逐渐加重。结论小肠移植术后发生急性排斥反应时外周血CD2阳性T淋巴细胞表达率升高;术后早期CD2表达率的突然增高,提示可能发生急性排斥反应。     

脾肠联合移植对大鼠小肠移植免疫耐受的影响

目的　探讨脾肠联合移植对小肠移植免疫耐受的诱导作用。方法　选用SD大鼠为供体、Wistar大鼠为受体 ,进行异位全小肠和脾脏联合移植。实验分 3组 ,每组 6只。A组 :小肠移植非免疫干预组 ;B组 :受体脾切除 ,脾肠联合移植组 ;C组 :小肠移植环孢霉素A(CsA)治疗组。术后 3、5、7、10d取移植小肠回肠段 0 .5～ 1.0cm进行病理学检查 ,用病理图像分析系统测量黏膜厚度 ,绒毛高度和隐窝深度。采用TdT介导的脱氧核苷酸原位末端标记法 (TUNEL)检测 3、5、7d移植小肠黏膜细胞凋亡 ,评价移植小肠急性排斥反应损伤程度。结果　A、B两组均有不同程度的急性排斥反应损伤 ,但A组高于B组 ,移植后 3、5、7d分别属于轻、中、重度排斥 ,10d黏膜基本完全脱落。B组移植后 3、5d符合轻度排斥 ,7d中度以下排斥 4只 ,重度排斥 2只 ,10d中度排斥 2只 ,重度 4只 ,但仍可见黏膜层。C组移植后 10d 1只出现轻度排斥其余未见明显损伤。黏膜厚度、绒毛高度和隐窝深度B组明显高于A组 ,黏膜上皮细胞凋亡数目较A组低。结论　受体脾切除 ,脾肠联合移植可减轻移植小肠急性排斥反应损伤 ,诱导一定程度的小肠移植免疫耐受     

槐耳清膏在小鼠心脏移植排斥反应中作用的初步探讨

目的 探讨槐耳清膏在小鼠心脏移植急性排斥反应中的作用.方法 实验分为3组:A组:同种异基因移植后槐耳清膏处理组(槐耳清膏组);B组:同种异基因移植财照组(移植排斥组)及C组:同系移植对照组(同系移植组).观察各组移植心脏的存活时间、术后第5天供心的组织病理改变.用免疫荧光检测移植心脏中CD8+T淋巴细胞的浸润和颗粒酶B的表达水平.结果 A组移植心脏的平均存活时间为(6.38±0.69)d,与B组(8.31±0.59)d相比明显缩短(P<0.01);心肌组织呈3级急性排斥反应病理改变,CD8+T淋巴细胞弥漫性浸润及颗粒酶B表达与两个对照组相比明显增强(P<0.05).结论 在术后早期单用槐耳清音会促进小鼠心脏移植物的急性排斥反应,可能机制足促进CD8+T淋巴细胞的组织浸润并增强颗粒酶B的表达.     

大鼠肝移植术后肝脏T淋巴细胞凋亡与免疫耐受的关系

目的探讨肝移植术后肝组织T淋巴细胞凋亡和肝移植免疫耐受之间的关系。方法采用Kamada二袖套法建立Wistar→Sprague-Dawley(SD)原位肝移植(OLT)大鼠模型。实验动物随机分为3组,每组各6只。A组:空白对照组,不作任何处理,采用SD大鼠;B组:免疫排斥组,Wistar大鼠为供体,SD大鼠为受体,行OLT;C组:免疫耐受组,Wistar大鼠为供体、SD大鼠为受体,行OLT,术前1周胸腺内注射F蛋白0.4mg,建立稳定的移植耐受大鼠模型。A组立即处死大鼠,B组和C组分别于术后7d、100d处死大鼠取肝组织,分别取各组大鼠肝组织标本进行冰冻切片,应用原位末端脱氧核苷酸转移酶标记法(terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling,TUNEL)在荧光显微镜下检测肝移植术后肝脏T淋巴细胞的凋亡情况。各组样本另取一张切片行常规苏木素-伊红(HE)染色在光学显微镜下观察,与TUNEL荧光染色法作对比观察。结果光学显微镜下,B组可见中、重度免疫排斥反应表现,C组肝组织细胞间的淋巴细胞浸润较B组大大减少,稍多于A组。荧光显微镜下,A组TUNEL切片可见零星散在的凋亡细胞,C组可见大量散在或密集分布的凋亡细胞,B组的凋亡细胞数远较C组减少,但仍多于A组。A组、B组、C组大鼠肝组织内浸润T淋巴细胞的凋亡指数(apoptosisindex,AI)分别为(8.83±0.43)%、(11.32±1.29)%和(19.00±1.96)%,两两比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05～0.01)。结论免疫耐受移植物内浸润的T淋巴细胞凋亡明显增高,浸润的T淋巴细胞凋亡受阻可能会阻碍免疫耐受的发生,引起排斥反应。     

猪肝肠联合移植免疫耐受的实验研究

目的 研究猪肝肠联合移植中肝移植物对同源小肠移植物免疫耐受的作用.方法 70头杂交长白猪分为4组,A、B、C组为辅助性同种异体肝肠联合移植(每组20头);D组为节段性间种异体小肠移植(10头).移植后A、D组未用免疫抑制剂治疗,B、C组分别采用常规剂量和小剂量的环孢素和甲基强的松龙治疗.结果 A组术后小肠移植物较D组排斥反应时间延迟,程度明显减轻(P＜0.05).常规剂量的B组与小剂量的C组在术后存活时间、排斥反应开始时间以及排斥反应程度方面差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 猪同种异体肝肠联合移植中肝移植物可以诱导同源小肠移植物免疫耐受.     

靶向CD40的shRNA干扰抗大鼠异体肢体移植急性排斥反应的实验研究

目的 探讨靶向CD40的RNA干扰对大鼠异体肢体移植急性排斥反应的影响. 方法以纯系SD大鼠为供体,纯系Wistar大鼠为受体,行同种异体右后肢移植.27只大鼠肢体移植后随机分为三组,A组:注射入梭华.Sofast.siCD40-2/pSilencer载体复合物600 μL;B组:注射Sofast-pSilencer4.1-CMV neo空载体复合物600 μL;C组:注射生理盐水600μL,以上均通过阴茎背静脉注射.观察移植物排斥反应征象及存活情况,并于第7天对产生免疫耐受大鼠进行混合淋巴细胞反应,同时进行组织学检查. 结果与B、C组相比,A组移植物发生排斥反应的时间及存活时间均显著延长,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01)(＞13 d),未见排斥反应征象;B、C组均于术后近期发牛排斥反应.A组大鼠对供体的淋巴细胞呈现低反应性,移植的供体同系大鼠的肢体得以存活. 结论术后不应用免疫抑制剂的情况下,靶向CD40的shRNA干扰可以抗大鼠异体肢体移植急性排斥反应.     

大鼠移植小肠急性排斥反应期组织病理学研究

目的　探讨大鼠异位小肠移植急性排斥反应期移植小肠病理学特点及意义。方法　实验分 4组 ,每组 6只。A组为非手术对照组 ;B组为异系移植组 ;C组为同系移植组 ;D组为异系移植加环孢霉素A治疗组。术后 3 ,5 ,7,10d取移植小肠进行病理学检查 ,测量黏膜厚度 ,绒毛高度和隐窝深度 ;并检测 3 ,5 ,7d移植小肠黏膜细胞凋亡。结果　A组小肠黏膜正常 ;B组移植小肠炎性细胞浸润、黏膜结构破坏程度和黏膜细胞凋亡数目明显高于C ,D组 ,随移植时间的延长黏膜细胞凋亡数目增加 ,黏膜结构破坏程度加重 ;C组移植小肠黏膜结构损伤程度较B组轻 ;D组仅有少量炎性细胞浸润 ,间质轻度水肿 ,未见黏膜结构破坏。结论　炎性细胞浸润、黏膜细胞凋亡和黏膜结构破坏是移植小肠急性排斥反应损伤病理学变化的主要特点。动态观察移植小肠病理学变化和细胞凋亡 ,对诊断小肠移植急性排斥反应和估计损伤程度有一定的价值。     

输血诱导免疫耐受对大鼠小肠移植急性排斥反应的影响

目的 观察供体特异性输血(DST)诱导免疫耐受对大鼠小肠移植后急性排斥反应的影响.方法 采用SD至Wistar大鼠异位小肠移植模型,实验组分别予以DST,环孢素(CsA)及DST联合CsA干预,Wistar大鼠同系间移植作为对照,于3、5、7 d观察移植肠管病理变化及受体血清中肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)-α和干扰素(IFN)-γ表达程度.结果 病理显示CsA干预组在7 d出现轻度移植排斥反应;DST联合CsA干预组与对照组结果相似,在3、5、7 d均无明显的移植排斥反应发生.并且DST联合CsA干预组TNF-α表达程度低于单独CsA干预组,在第7天时与对照组比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);IFN-γ表达程度低于单独CsA干预组,在第5、7天时与对照组比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 异基因大鼠间小肠移植在CsA配合应用的情况下,进行DST可诱导其产生一定的免疫耐受,预防及减轻大鼠小肠移植急性排斥反应的发生及反应程度.     

肠移植早期黏膜地址素细胞黏附分子在大鼠移植小肠及其肠系膜淋巴结的表达

目的 探讨黏膜地址素细胞黏附分子（MAdCAM-1）在大鼠小肠移植早期移植肠及其肠系膜淋巴结中的表达及意义。方法 选用近交系F344／N和BN大鼠建立全小肠异位移植模型后分3组：第1组，非手术对照组（F344／N）；第2组，同基因移植组（F344／N→F344／N）；第3组，异基因移植组（BN→F344/N）。术后1、3、5、7d取各组移植肠及其肠系膜淋巴结检测MAdCAM-1表达的分布及变化，同期进行移植肠组织病理学检查。结果 同基因移植组各检测时点的肠黏膜组织表现与正常小肠的组织学特征基本相同；异基因移植组肠黏膜组织表现符合轻-中-重度排斥反应的渐进过程，2周后移植肠绒毛变的低平，散在黏膜上皮脱落，移植肠相关肠系膜淋巴结萎缩明显。MAdCAM-1在急性排斥反应期，高表达于移植肠固有层及其肠系膜淋巴结，特别是高表达于肠黏膜固有层中的扁平血管内皮细胞表面。同基因移植组术后MAdCAM-1的表达在1—7d均无明显量的变化；而异基因移植组MAdCAM-1在移植肠中的表达呈上升趋势，而在其肠系膜淋巴结中的表达呈下降趋势。结论 MAdCAM-1与小肠移植急性排斥反应的进展关系密切。     

Expression of TRAIL, DR4, and DR5 in kidney and serum from patients receiving renal transplantation

Renal transplantation is the best treatment of some end-stage renal diseases. Unfortunately, not every transplant is successful due to the rejection or dysfunction of the transplanted kidney. Many cytokines participate in rejection by inducing inflammation or apoptosis. In this study, the expressions of TRAIL, DR4, and DR5 in rejected renal tissue and of serum soluble TRAIL (sTRAIL) in patients with kidney rejection were investigated by immunohistochemical staining and sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The results showed that the expression of TRAIL, DR4 and DR5, and serum sTRAIL levels were markedly upregulated among renal transplant patients. Since both membrane and soluble forms of TRAIL can induce apoptosis of DR4/DR5-expressing cells via recruiting FADD and caspase 8, elevated TRAIL and its receptors may participate in renal graft rejection.     

Increased iNOS-expressing macrophage in long-term surviving rat small-bowel grafts

BACKGROUND: Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) produces nitric oxide and modulates many biologic processes critical in the development of rejection; however, its role in chronic rejection (CR) in small-bowel transplantation (SBT) is largely unknown. METHODS: FK506 prevented acute rejection (AR); however, recipients eventually lost their bowel grafts to CR. Combined FK506 and rapamycin treatment prevented CR, thus leading to long-term graft survival. We investigated iNOS expression in our rat orthotopic SBT CR model. RESULTS: Histologically, mesentery vascular occlusion and fibrosis, which are hallmarks of CR, were apparent in bowel grafts in an FK506 single-treatment group. In contrast, patients with long-term surviving grafts receiving FK506 and rapamycin developed mild vascular occlusion and fibrosis. Unlike in AR, low iNOS expression, which is associated with decreased macrophage infiltration, was observed in CR grafts. However, iNOS expression and macrophage infiltration was higher in long-term-surviving grafts than CR grafts. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that the majority of macrophages expressed iNOS in long-term surviving grafts. COMMENTS: Sequential treatment combining FK506 and rapamycin prolonged survival of SBT animals with decreased vasculopathy and collagen deposition of the intestinal grafts. iNOS may play opposing roles in AR and CR in SBT.     

Semiquantative analysis of expression of mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1 during small bowel graft rejection in rats

AIM: Mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1 (MAdCAM-1) mediates the homing of lymphocytes to gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT). We performed a semiquantative analysis of MAdCAM-1 expression during small bowel graft rejection. METHODS: Orthotopic small bowel transplantations (SBT) were performed from BN rats to LEW rats. Isografted animals served as controls. Animals were sacrificed on days 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 after SBT. Cryostat sections were prepared from grafts, including Peyer's patches (PPs). Indirect immunoperoxidase staining was performed using mAbs against MAdCAM-1. The degree of vascular endothelial staining on high endothelial venules (HEV) in the PPs was graded from 1 (low levels) to 5 (high levels), and in the vessels of the lamina propria from 1 (faint), 2 (low at the base of villi), 3 (low to the middle of villi), 4 (high to the middle of villi), to 5 (high to villus tip). RESULTS: MAdCAM-1 expression on HEVs in PPs was down-regulated during rejection. In contrast its expression on endothelial cells of vessels in the lamina propria was up-regulated during rejection. CONCLUSION: Alteration in MAdCAM-1 expression may be associated with the development of SB graft rejection. The vessels at the base of villi, which are associated with lymphocyte recruitment, may become sites of intense immune reactivity during the early phase of small bowel allograft rejection.     

Effect of FTY720 in rat small bowel transplantation: expression of mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1

AIM: Mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1 (MAdCAM-1) mediates the homing of lymphocytes to gut-associated tissues (GALT). We performed a semiquantitative analysis of MAdCAM-1 expression during small bowel graft rejection in rat treated with FTY720. METHODS: Orthotopic small bowel transplantations (SBT) were performed from BN rats to LEW rats. Isografted animals served as controls. Three groups of SBT animals were studied on days 3, 5, 7 after operations (Isograft, untreated allograft, allograft with FTY720). FTY720 was orally administered by gavage (1 mg/kg/d) to allograft models on 7 consecutive days. Cryostat sections were prepared from grafts, including Peyer's patches (PPs). Indirect immunoperoxidase staining was performed using mAbs against MAdCAM-1. The degree of vascular endothelial staining on high endothelial venules (HEV) in the PPs was graded from 1 (low levels) to 5 (high levels), and in the vessels of the lamina propia from 1 (faint), to 2 (low at the base of villi), 3 (low to the middle of villi), 4 (high to the middle of villi), to 5 (high to villi tip). RESULTS: The graft survival was prolonged in the FTY720-treated group. MAdCAM-1 expression on HEVs in PPs was down-regulated during rejection. In contrast its expression on endothelial cells of vessels in the lamina propria was up-regulated during rejection. In the FTY720-treated groups, MAdCAM-1 expression on HEVs in PPs was up-regulated and its expression on endothelial cells of vessels in the lamina propria was down-regulated compared with untreated allograft group. CONCLUSIONS: Alteration in MAdCAM-1 expression may be associated with the development of SB graft rejection. The vessels at the base of villi, which are associated with lymphocyte recruitment, may become sites of intestine immune reactivity during the early phase of small bowel allograft rejection. FTY720 was found to prevent the down-regulation of MAdCAM-1 expression on HEVs in PPs and the up-regulation of its expression on endothelial cells of vessels in the lamina propria while also prolonging small bowel allograft survival.     

A study of tolerance induced by liver transplantation on intestinal graft in the rat]

In some strain combinations of rats, orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) permits long-term donor-specific survival of fully allogeneic kidney, heart or skin grafts. The difficulties encountered in the clinical situation to obtain tolerance of small-bowel transplantation (SBT), in spite of massive non-specific immunosuppression, led us to study possible liver-induced tolerance in SBT. Inbred DA (RTIa) and PVG (RT1c) rats were used respectively as donors and recipients and divided in two groups: group 1: SIT alone (n = 6); group 2: combined OLT/SBT (n = 6). SIT was performed 17 days after OLT. No immunosuppressive treatment was given to the recipients. Biopsies of small-bowel grafts were performed in both groups at various times after small bowel engraftment. All animals in group 1 showed evidence of acute rejection of the graft between days 6 and 9 post-graft. The histologic pattern of rejection associated lamina propria (LP) mononuclear cell infiltration, crypt lesions and villous atrophy at the end-point of rejection. In group 2, long-term survival (> 100 days) of small bowel grafts was achieved in five of the six animals in spite of strong mononuclear cell infiltration in the LP, which peaked two months after small bowel grafting but then disappeared partially. This striking mononuclear cell infiltrate contrasted with only minor epithelial damage. These data demonstrate that liver grafting can enhance the survival of a small-bowel graft from the same donor in a rat model. Histological findings show that an intense immunological reaction takes place within liver-induced tolerated small-bowel grafts.     

BTLA负性共刺激分子修饰树突状细胞对大鼠移植肝脏的免疫保护作用

目的 探讨BTLA修饰的树突状细胞(DC)对肝脏移植物免疫保护的诱导作用及机制.方法 72只大鼠肝移植免疫排斥模型(选择DA大鼠36只为供体,Lewis大鼠36只为受体),随机分为3组:A组(非干预组,n=12)移植术后不用免疫抑制剂;B组(FK506处理组,n=12)术后用FK506 0.2 mg/(k·d)灌胃;C组(BTLA干预组,n=12;即经重组腺病毒Adv-BTLA修饰的DC回输组).分别于术后3、5、7 d随机解剖受体大鼠6只,取材肝组织对移植肝进行病理学观察,同时静脉采血测定血清谷丙转氨酶(ALT)、白蛋白(ALB)和总胆红素(TBIL)浓度;每组各留6只观察其生存时间和死亡原因.结果 A组的DA→Lewis组合的模型术后血清生化指标、肝脏病理学改变、生存情况均符合肝移植急性排斥的特点,排斥反应于术后3～5 d出现,并逐渐增强,术后7 d迅速达到高峰并维持;B组急性排斥可以为免疫抑制药物FK506预防而达到长期存活;C组急性排斥程度明显减轻,且排斥反应出现时间要晚,受体大鼠存活时间明显延长.A、B和C组中位生存时间分别为14、73、26d;3组的累积生存率曲线差异有统计学意义(Log-Rank取值为19.13,P＜0.01).结论 BTLA修饰的DC可以对大鼠移植肝脏起到免疫保护作用;经BTLA修饰的供体DC细胞迁移到受体组织内,能够抑制肝移植急性排斥反应,并延长移植肝和受体大鼠存活时间.

Abstract：

Objective To explore the induction and mechanisms of immuoprotective effect on liver grafts by B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) modified dendritic cells (DCs). Methods Immunological rejection model was established: 72 rats (36 pairs: 36 DA rats as donors, and 36 Lewis rats as recipients) were randomly divided into 3 groups: group A ( control group,n = 12), with no immunosuppressive day); group C (BTLA intervention group,n = 12, transfusion of adenovirus-BTLA modified DCs to the recipients). Six rats from each group were chosen randomly and sacrificed on the operative day 3, 5, 7 respectively. Liver biopsy was subjected to pathological examination, and blood aianine aminotransferase (ALT), albumin and total bilirubin were determined. Six rats in each group were kept to explore the survival time and the reasons of death. Results Group A: All indicators including biochemical parameters,pathologic changes, and survival time suggested acute rejection. The indications of acute rejection emerged on the day 3 to day 5, and got stronger with time, finally reached a peak on the day 7, and maintained the levels. Group B: Rejection-free long-term survival was achieved due to the application of FK506. Group C: Acute rejection was much less serious and occurred later than in group A, and the survival time prolonged significantly. The mean survival time in groups A, B and C was 14, 73, and 26 days, respectively,and there was statistically significant difference among three groups (Log-Rank = 19. 13 ,P ＜ 0. 01 ). Conclusion In rat liver transplantation, BTLA modified DCs derived from the donors migrate into recipients,and depress acute immunological rejection, thus prolonging the survival time of grafts and recipients.     

Roles of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand in corneal transplantation

BACKGROUND: Allograft rejection is still a main cause of graft failure in high-risk keratoplasty. Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) can selectively induce apoptosis of tumor cells without significant toxicity and inhibit autoimmune disease. Therefore, we attempted to determine the roles of TRAIL in graft survival. METHODS: Thirty-two BALB/C mice were recipients of corneal grafts from C57BL/6 mice. The 32 eyes were equally divided into four groups receiving graft without incubation with viral preparations, graft immersed in Dulbecco's minimum essential medium containing soluble human death receptor 5 (sDR5) before transplantation, graft carrying the recombinant adenovirus with TRAIL gene (Ad-TRAIL), and graft carrying the recombinant adenovirus with green fluorescent protein (Ad-GFP), respectively. Pathologic and immunohistochemical examinations were performed, and apoptotic cells were detected. RESULTS: High levels of TRAIL expression were detected in the Ad-TRAIL group, which lasted more than 2 weeks. The mean graft survival time was 17.7, 12.3, 22.0, and 17.4 days for control group, sDR5 group, Ad-TRAIL group, and Ad-GFP group, respectively. The degrees of inflammation in tissue sections taken from all groups after the onset of rejection were similar. There were more apoptotic cells in the graft of the Ad-TRAIL group than in other groups. CONCLUSION: TRAIL appears to play an important role in corneal-allograft rejection and may be used to prolong the survival of allografts.