Non specific increased expression of class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens on rat liver grafts

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens play a major role in the rejection reaction and their increased expression may increase the host response to the foreign graft. Several clinical and experimental studies have demonstrated increased expression of MHC antigens on the different cell components of liver allografts during rejection. However modified expression of MHC antigens may also occur in certain liver diseases, after cholestasis or on a regenerating liver. In this experimental study in inbred rats, we compared the expression of MHC antigens on liver cells during rejection and non-immunological situations (cholestasis, cytolysis, regeneration).