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Changes in the expression of major histocompatibility complex class II antigens in liver allograft rejection
Author(s) -
Hubscher S. G.,
Adams D. H.,
Elias E.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
the journal of pathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.964
H-Index - 184
eISSN - 1096-9896
pISSN - 0022-3417
DOI - 10.1002/path.1711620210
Subject(s) - histocompatibility , immunology , major histocompatibility complex , graft rejection , antigen , minor histocompatibility antigen , liver transplantation , biology , medicine , transplantation , human leukocyte antigen
The expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigens was studied in human liver grafts by immunohistochemical staining with monoclonal antibodies to HLA‐DR, HLA‐DP, and HLA‐DQ antigens. Staining was carried out on frozen sections from 13 normal livers, used as controls, and 85 post‐transplant specimens in six histological categories: acute rejection ( n = 25); chronic rejection ( n = 21); massive haemorrhagic necrosis ( n = 2); resolving acute rejection ( n =10); non‐rejection complications—pure cholestasis, ischaemia, biliary obstruction ( n = 23); and stable graft function > 1 year post‐transplantation ( n = 4). Staining was graded semi‐quantitatively on a scale of 0‐3+ in bile ducts, hepatocytes, and vascular endothelium. Expression of class II antigens was increased in bile ducts, hepatocytes, and vascular endothelium in all of the post‐transplant groups compared with controls. The degree of expression of HLA‐DR and HLA‐DP in bile ducts and vascular endothelium was significantly greater in cases of rejection than in the non‐rejection groups. These observations suggest that increased class II antigen expression may be important in the pathogenesis of immune‐mediated bile duct and endothelial damage in liver allografts. Immunohisto‐chemical staining for class II antigens in post‐transplant biopsies may also be useful as an adjunct to conventional histological diagnosis.