J.Jpn. Surg. Soc.. 94(2): 147-154, 1993

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Original article

PHENOTYPIC AND FUNCTIONAL ANALYSES OF CELLS INFILTRATING RAT HEPATIC ALLOGRAFT

In order to elucidate the immunological characteristics of rat liver transplantation, graft infiltrating cells (GIC) were isolated from rat hepatic allografts, and phenotypic and functional analyses were performed. Long-survicing combination (Lewis engrafted BN liver, MST=166.8±28.1 days, n=10) and acutely-rejected combination (Lewis engrafted DA liver, MST=9.6±0.3 days, n=6) were compared. Relative proportions of all T cells and activated T cells assessed by flow cytometry were significantly higher in Lewis recipients of acutely-rejected combination than in those of long-surviving combination on day 6 after transplantation. Phenotypic analyses of GIC on days 6, 14, and 45 after trasplantation in Lewis hosts of long-surviving combination were assesed. All T cells, OX-8 positive cells (Tc/s, NK), and OX-39 positive (IL-2 receptor) cells showed peak levels on day 6 and decreased on day 45. Cytotoxic activity of GIC toward donor lymphocytes on day 6 was stronger in host of acutely-rejected combination (18.9±4.0%, E/T=50) than in that of long-surviving combination (5.3±2.8%). On the other hand, NK activity in Lewis host of long-surviving combinatlon was high (17.5±3.0%, E/T=100) on day 6 after trans-plantation. These results demonstrate that some immunosuppressive mechanism is present already on day 6 after transplantation, and that infiltration or activation of cytotoxic T cells is inhibited in long-surviving combination of rat hepatic allografts.

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