Vascular deposition of complement-split products in kidney allografts with cell-mediated rejection.
Complement activation in 73 renal transplant biopsies was investigated by indirect immunoperoxidase staining using MoAbs reactive with complement-split products. Intense deposition of complement fragments C4d and C3d in peritubular capillaries, indicating activation of the classical pathway, could be detected in the majority of transplanted kidneys with cell-mediated rejections. Abundant deposition of complement-split products was observed in 22 early biopsies from patients with high 'immunological risk' (i.e. previous, rejected transplants and/or circulating antibodies against HLA-antigens). Despite negative results in the crossmatch before transplantation and paucity of immunoglobulins in transplant biopsies, antibodies directed against endothelial cell antigens should be considered as a possible cause of classical complement activation.
Feucht
H E
HE
Medizinische Klinik Innenstadt, University of Munich, Germany.
Felber
E
E
Gokel
M J
MJ
Hillebrand
G
G
Nattermann
U
U
Brockmeyer
C
C
Held
E
E
Riethmüller
G
G
Land
W
W
Albert
E
E
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D001706:Biopsy; D002196:Capillaries / Q000276:immunology*; D003167:Complement Activation; D003181:Complement C4 / Q000032:analysis; D015935:Complement C4b; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000009:adverse effects; D005921:Glomerulonephritis / Q000276:immunology; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000032:analysis; D007511:Ischemia / Q000276:immunology; D007668:Kidney / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000473:pathology; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000276:immunology*; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000032:analysis; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous / Q000276:immunology
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D003181:Complement C4; D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D015935:Complement C4b; C032261:complement C4d; D016572:Cyclosporine