Activation of the alternative pathway of complement is an important component of hyperacute rejection of rabbit hearts by human blood.
Hyperacute discordant xenograft rejection can be simulated by blood perfused working isolated heart. The survival of the heart is dependent on its functional integrity, and the preparation is thus sensitive to early myocardial damage. Perfusion of rabbit hearts with human blood results in immediate graft destruction by a thrombotic process. Prevention of this process results in rapid rejection at about 20 min by the alternative pathway of complement.
Forty
J
J
Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, UK.
Hasan
R
R
Cary
N
N
White
D J
DJ
Wallwork
J
J
D000017:ABO Blood-Group System / Q000276:immunology; D000818:Animals; D003170:Complement Pathway, Alternative / Q000276:immunology*; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D006085:Graft Survival / Q000276:immunology*; D006321:Heart / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008954:Models, Biological; D010477:Perfusion; D011817:Rabbits; D014183:Transplantation, Heterologous / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*
D000017:ABO Blood-Group System