TNF staining of graft biopsy in renal transplantation

Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF) is a cytokine which may be found in patients' plasma and urine in association with acute rejection in renal transplantation. TNF is produced mainly by macrophage/monocytes and activated lymphocytes and its release in acute rejection may damage the nephron leading to renal dysfunction. However localization of TNF in renal grafts has not yet been demonstrated. We investigated TNF localization in renal graft tissue and the association with acute rejection compared with non-immunological events (cyclosporine toxicity and acute tubular necrosis) in graft biopsy.