| Abstract: | Aims. To examine the relationship between soluble adhesion molecules ICAM-1, E-selectin and VCAM-1, serum cytokines TNFα, IL6 and IL2, the IL2 soluble receptor p55 and cardiac rejection in cardiac allograft recipients.Methods. Seventy-six serum samples from 56 patients were examined. Samples were taken on the day of biopsy. No patient was experiencing concurrent infection. All the samples were examined for ICAM-1, TNFα, IL6 and IL2R p55. A smaller number were examined for E-selectin, VCAM-1 and IL2. Specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used.Results. When grade 0 and grade 3a rejection groups were compared a significant difference was seen between IL6 levels (means 32 pg/ml vs 51 pg/ml, medians both 32 pg/ml, p = 0.007), and a significant difference between ICAM-1 levels (medians 207 ng/ml vs 250 ng/ml versus 303 ng/ml, p = 0.045). No patient without rejection had detectable levels of IL6. There was a correlation between ICAM-1 and E-selectin levels (R = 0.6, p = 0.003). There was no correlation between the other parameters and rejection or each other.Conclusions. Cytokines and adhesion molecules are of great importance in the mechanisms of transplant rejection and this, in some cases, is reflected in the serum. However, this is not sufficiently consistent to be of diagnostic value. |
