Donor selection for xenotransplantation: detection of Galalpha1-3Gal on different porcine organs.
The expression of the major porcine xenoantigens (Galalpha1-3Gal) in different tissues varies between species. The selection of suitable donors and the interpretation of studies which attempt to prevent hyperacute rejection are dependent on donor expression of Galalpha1-3Gal. Screening of large number of animals to find potential Galalpha1-3Gal negative donors requires a robust, tissue-based and practical method of assessing Galalpha1-3Gal expression. In this study, we have assessed the expression of Galalpha1-3Gal in a variety of pig organs using anti Galalpha1-3Gal antibody. Biopsies of heart, kidney, ear and tail were obtained from 20 outbred pigs. Biopsies were fixed in formalin and stained with a human anti Galalpha1-3Gal antibody obtained from pooled human AB serum passed down a Galalpha1-3Gal immunoadsorbent column. Tissue from all 4 organs from all 20 pigs expressed Galalpha13Gal. This study shows that detection of Galalpha1-3Gal on an ear or tail biopsy is a simple but very reliable method for assessing Galalpha1-3Gal expression on the heart and kidney and facilitates donor selection for xenotransplantation.
Papalois
V E
VE
Brent Laboratory, Transplant Unit, St Mary's Hospital, London, UK.
Goldberg
L C
LC
Lee
J
J
Preston
R C
RC
Hakim
N S
NS
Cairns
T
T
Taube
D H
DH
D000818:Animals; D000910:Antibodies, Heterophile / Q000276:immunology; D015478:Antigens, Heterophile / Q000276:immunology*; D001706:Biopsy; D004431:Ear, External / Q000276:immunology; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000276:immunology; D009206:Myocardium / Q000276:immunology; D013552:Swine; D013623:Tail / Q000276:immunology; D014183:Transplantation, Heterologous / Q000276:immunology*
D000910:Antibodies, Heterophile; D015478:Antigens, Heterophile