Dynamic changes of ICAM-1 expression in endothelial cells during hindlimb allograft acute rejection in rats

Abstract

Objective To investigate the dynamic changes of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression in endothelial cells (EC) during hindlimb allograft acute rejection in rats and the inhibitory effect of cyclospofine A (CsA) on the acute rejection. Methods The rat model of hindlimb allograft was developed. The rats were randomly divided into following groups: control group (Wistar→Wistar), rejection group ( Sprague-Dawley→Wistar) and CsA-treated group (Sprague-Dawley→Wistar). At postoperative day 1, day 4 and day 7samples of the femoral artery from the allograft limb were harvested to observe the pathologic changes. ICAM-1 expression in EC was quantified using immunohistochemical assay. Results Slight swelling and weak ICAM-1expression of EC were observed in the control group. In the rejection groups, obvious EC swelling and massive lymphocyte infiltration were seen. ICAM-1 expression in EC was significantly stronger and elevated. In CsA-group only mild infiltration of lymphocytes was seen and ICAM-I expression in EC was also much weaker.Conclusion During rat hindlimb allograft acute rejection the expression of ICAM-1 in EC was closely related to the occurrence and development of acute rejection. CsA could reduce the expression of ICAM-1 in EC and hence inhibit acute rejection of composite allograft. Key words: Tissue transplantation; Graft rejection; Endothelial cells; ICAM-1