Vascular endothelial growth factor expression in human chronic renal allograft rejection.
BACKGROUND
Chronic renal allograft rejection is characterized by interstitial fibrosis and vasculopathy. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an endothelial mitogen with increased expression in inflammation and vasculopathy.


METHODS
Renal tissue from 17 patients with chronic rejection was examined for VEGF protein and the presence of CD 68-positive macrophages, and compared to biopsies from patients with temporary allograft dysfunction, acute rejection, and native kidneys with thin membrane disease.


RESULTS
In the chronic rejection group, there was markedly increased expression of VEGF protein in the interstitium (P<0.0001). In serial sections, VEGF colocalized with the expression of CD 68-positive macrophages. Significantly more macrophages were in the tubulointerstitium in tissue with chronic rejection than in those with temporary allograft dysfunction (P<0.005). Additionally, VEGF protein expression in the glomeruli and the vascular compartment of patients with chronic rejection was increased.


CONCLUSIONS
The up-regulation of VEGF in chronic renal allograft rejection may be important in inflammation and development of fibrosis.
Pilmore
H L
HL
Department of Renal Medicine, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.
Eris
J M
JM
Painter
D M
DM
Bishop
G A
GA
McCaughan
G W
GW
D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000032:analysis; D015214:Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic / Q000032:analysis; D002908:Chronic Disease; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000032:analysis*; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000737:chemistry; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000276:immunology*; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000032:analysis*; D008264:Macrophages / Q000737:chemistry; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors; D000097382:CD68 Molecule
D015703:Antigens, CD; D015214:Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D008222:Lymphokines; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors; C067980:CD68 antigen, human; D000097382:CD68 Molecule