[Distribution of immunocompetent cells small intestine transplantation in rats]

Heterotopic small bowel transplantation was performed in allogeneic rats with and without cyclosporine. Syngeneic animals served as controls. Small bowel allografts, lymphoid tissues and small bowel of the host were investigated by immunohistochemistry using antibodies against T-cells and macrophages. During rejection, increasing numbers of macrophages infiltrated preferentially the deep layers of the small bowel wall, whereas only a slight T-cell infiltration was observed. No histological changes were noted in the organs of the host. Cyclosporine prevented lymphoid as well as macrophage infiltration of the transplant. Rejection monitoring of small bowel transplants is possible by investigation of macrophage infiltration in deep biopsies including the submucosa.