Abstract

HUMORAL rejection is a rare but potentially fatal form of acute allograft rejection. Pathophysiologically, allosensitization against graft determinants occurs either preor posttransplantation. Preformed antibodies lead to the phenomenon of hyperacute rejection. The de novo synthesized antibodies directed against HLA antigens expressed on graft endothelium are clearly associated with humoral rejection. The diagnosis is made by histologic criteria of endothelial swelling and vasculitis and by immunohistologic demonstration of deposition of complement split products. This study was designed to explore the incidence of humoral rejection in human heart transplant recipients treated either with cyclosporine A (CyA) or tacrolimus (FK506). As a marker for humoral rejection, C4d complement fragment was used, originally described in kidney allografts, which we introduced as a marker for the diagnosis of acute humoral rejection in heart transplantation.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.