[Immunopathologic studies on the effects of immunosuppressant FK 506 on penetrating keratoplasty rejection model in rat].
OBJECTIVE
To study the immunopathologic process of rejection, the effect of certain immune cells and molecules on rejection and elucidate the immunosuppressive mechanism of FK 506.


METHODS
By using immunohistochemical techniques, the expression of CD(4)(+) cells, CD(8)(+) cells, macrophages, IL-2 receptor, MHC-II antigen, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) in rejected corneal grafts were studied.


RESULTS
Immunohistochemical studies showed diffuse infiltration of CD(4)(+) cells, CD(8)(+) cells and macrophages, and strong expression of IL-2 receptor, MHC-II antigen, ICAM-1 and LFA-1 in rejected corneal grafts, especially in the acute rejection stage. FK 506 can inhibit the expression of these cells and molecules in the grafts.


CONCLUSIONS
Keratoplasty rejection is significantly related to delayed type of hypersensitivity and cytotoxic T cells, and immune adhesion molecules and MHC-II antigen also affect the rejection process.
Lü
L
L
Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing 100005.
Zhang
W
W
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000276:immunology*; D006085:Graft Survival; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 / Q000032:analysis; D015948:Keratoplasty, Penetrating / Q000276:immunology*; D016169:Lymphocyte Function-Associated Antigen-1 / Q000032:analysis; D051381:Rats; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000494:pharmacology*
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016169:Lymphocyte Function-Associated Antigen-1; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1; D016559:Tacrolimus