title: Topographical distribution of inflammatory leukocyte subsets in acute cellular rejection of a kidney allograft.
abstract: The topographical distribution of different mononuclear inflammatory cell subsets in acute cellular rejection of human renal allograft was analyzed. Marker antibodies to T cells (OKT11), T helper cells (T4), T suppressor/killer cells (OKT8), B cells (B-1), monocytes (OKM1) and mononuclear phagocytes at different stages (FMC17, FMC33) and the indirect immunoperoxidase method were employed. At early stages of rejection, T lymphocytes were mostly confined to the perivascular areas and there was a T helper (Th) cell predominance over T suppressor/killer (Tsk) cells in the inflammatory infiltrate. Very few T cells and monocytes were found to infiltrate the arterial wall. Mononuclear phagocytes dominated over T lymphoid cells in the intertubular areas. Later during rejection, the Th/Tsk ratio became inverted, inflammatory T cells invaded also the intertubular areas, and infiltration of the arterial wall by T cells and mononuclear phagocytes became evident. Granulocytes were associated with the late events in the graft, and their appearance coincided with beginning necrosis. These non-random features in the distribution of the inflammatory cells were most pronounced during early stages of acute cellular rejection; later on, the differences seemed to disappear.
mesh_terms: D006084:Graft Rejection; D006098:Granulocytes / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000473:pathology; D007668:Kidney / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000145:classification / Q000473:pathology*; D009000:Monocytes / Q000473:pathology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000473:pathology; D013997:Time Factors