Integrin CD11a/CD18, CD11b/CD18 and CD69 expression in patients after renal transplantation

Chronic renal failure (CRF) is a complex clinical entity caused by progressive destruction of functional renal parenchyma in the course of various pathological processes resulting in complete failure of renal function and subsequent metabolic, acid base and electrolyte as well as immune disorders. Renal transplantation (RT) is one of the renal replacement therapy options in the terminal stage of chronic renal failure. The replacement of the failing organ with one from a healthy donor may be complicated with immune host response. This study was designed to investigate the changes in serum concentration of integrins CD11a/CD18, CD11b/CD18, CD69 on the surface of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) after the RT within two six-month periods. The study included 25 RT patients (mean 5.4±2.7 yrs after the transplantation, 10 females and 15 males) treated with immune suppressive therapy including cyclosporine A, azathioprine and prednisolone. The expression was assessed with monoclonal antibodies by means of flow cytometry. Also, the expression of CD69 was determined before and after phytohemaglutinine (PHA) stimulation. There was no significant alternation in serum concentration of CD11a/CD18, CD11b/CD18 and CD69 at baseline, six months and twelve months later. The expression of integrins was not altered in renal transplantation patients in the current study setting.