Effects of major histocompatibility complex matching on graft survival in allogeneic rat limb transplantation

Differences in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) between recipients and donors present a problem because of immunologic responses in graft rejection. The purpose of this study is to clarify the efficacy of MHC matching against acute graft rejection of allogeneic limb transplants in rats. Right hindlimb transplantations were performed using various MHC-mismatched pairs of inbred rats. The rats were classified into 5 groups according to the differences in subregions of the RT1 (rat MHC) between the recipient and the donor: group 1, RT1-A,B,D barrier (the differences of RT1-A,B,D subregions); group 2, RT1-A barrier; group 3, RT1-B,D barrier; group 4, RT1-B barrier; and group 5, RT1-D barrier. The mean survival time significantly decreased in group 1 and increased in group 4. The results suggest that MHC matching clearly improves survival of transplanted limbs. Specifically, both RT1-A and D matching is the most effective compatibility in prolonging survival time of allogeneic limb transplants in rats.