Absence of Gal epitope prolongs survival of swine lungs in an ex vivo model of hyperacute rejection
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
1-1-2011
Journal
Xenotransplantation
Volume
18
Issue
2
DOI
10.1111/j.1399-3089.2011.00633.x
Keywords
alphaGal; antibodies; ex vivo lung perfusion; genetically engineered; hyperacute rejection; lung; swine; Xenotransplantation
Abstract
Background: Galactosyl transferase gene knock-out (GalTKO) swine offer a unique tool to evaluate the role of the Gal antigen in xenogenic lung hyperacute rejection. Methods: We perfused GalTKO miniature swine lungs with human blood. Results were compared with those from previous studies using wild-type and human decay-accelerating factor-transgenic (hDAF+/+) pig lungs. Results: GalTKO lungs survived 132 ± 52 min compared to 10 ± 9 min for wild-type lungs (P = 0.001) and 45 ± 60 min for hDAF+/+ lungs (P = 0.18). GalTKO lungs displayed stable physiologic flow and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) until shortly before graft demise, similar to autologous perfusion, and unlike wild-type or hDAF+/+ lungs. Early (15 and 60 min) complement (C3a) and platelet activation and intrapulmonary platelet deposition were significantly diminished in GalTKO lungs relative to wild-type or hDAF+/+ lungs. However, GalTKO lungs adsorbed cytotoxic anti-non-Gal antibody and elaborated high levels of thrombin; their demise was associated with increased PVR, capillary congestion, intravascular thrombi and strong CD41 deposition not seen at earlier time points. Conclusions: In summary, GalTKO lungs are substantially protected from injury but, in addition to anti-non-Gal antibody and complement, platelet adhesion and non-physiologic intravascular coagulation contribute to Gal-independent lung injury mechanisms. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.
APA Citation
Nguyen, B., Azimzadeh, A., Schroeder, C., Buddensick, T., Zhang, T., Laaris, A., Cochrane, M., Schuurman, H., Sachs, D., Allan, J., & Pierson, R. (2011). Absence of Gal epitope prolongs survival of swine lungs in an ex vivo model of hyperacute rejection. Xenotransplantation, 18 (2). http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1399-3089.2011.00633.x
