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Nitric oxide generation. A predictive parameter of acute allograft rejection
J Devlin1, R M Palmer, C E Gonde
1Institute of Liver Studies, Kings College School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK.
Transplantation
|September 15, 1994
Summary
Monitoring nitric oxide (NO) production, measured as plasma NOx, can help detect acute liver allograft rejection. Elevated NOx levels correlate with rejection severity and immune markers, aiding in early diagnosis and management.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Transplantation
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The L-arginine:nitric oxide (NO) pathway is implicated in host defense and allograft response.
- Understanding NO generation is crucial for managing acute allograft rejection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate NO generation in liver allograft rejection.
- To assess the utility of plasma NOx levels for immunological monitoring.
Main Methods:
- Serial measurement of plasma NOx in 50 liver transplant recipients.
- Comparison of NOx levels with IL-2R positive lymphocytes and TNF-alpha.
- Logistic analysis to determine predictive value for rejection.
Main Results:
- Plasma NOx levels significantly increased during acute allograft rejection (P < 0.0001).
- NOx correlated with rejection severity, TNF-alpha, and IL-2R positive lymphocytes.
- Plasma NOx was the most predictive parameter for acute cellular rejection.
Conclusions:
- NO generation plays a role in the cellular alloantigen immune response.
- Monitoring plasma NOx levels may aid in detecting acute allograft rejection.
- FK506 immunosuppression was associated with lower NO generation and reduced rejection frequency.