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Updated: Jul 21, 2026
Murine Corneal Transplantation: A Model to Study the Most Common Form of Solid Organ Transplantation
Published on: November 17, 2014
Fas mRNA expression in blood is reduced during episodes of human corneal graft rejection
J A Dixon1, I Reynolds, E Zeggini
1Academic Department of Ophthalmology, University of Manchester, UK.
Background:
Our purpose is to examine levels of Fas mRNA expression in blood during human corneal transplant rejection.
Methods:
Fas mRNA expression was detected by reverse transcription-PCR in blood from normal controls, corneal recipients at the time of transplantation and during episodes of rejection.
Results:
Samples taken at the time of a corneal rejection episode showed Fas mRNA levels were significantly lower in these patients than either normal controls (P = 0.017) or corneal transplant recipients not undergoing graft rejection (P = 0.00052). Serial samples from five patients who suffered an episode of rejection showed that the level of Fas mRNA is reduced during the rejection episode and subsequently recovers.
Conclusions:
These results indicate low levels of Fas mRNA in blood may have a role in corneal transplant rejection.
