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Thromboxane synthase expression in renal transplant patients with rejection
E L Ramos1, Y M Barri, B P Croker
1Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610-0224.
Transplantation
|February 27, 1995
Summary
Thromboxane synthase (TS) expression is elevated in kidney transplant biopsies with acute rejection. Increased TS staining correlates with worse graft function and faster decline in kidney transplant recipients.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Immunology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Thromboxane synthase (TS) produces thromboxane (TxA2), a molecule with vasoconstrictive and platelet-aggregating properties.
- TxA2 is implicated in the dysfunction of kidney allografts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of TS in native kidneys and renal allografts.
- To correlate TS expression levels with histological findings and graft function.
Main Methods:
- Immunocytochemistry using a monoclonal antibody (Kon-7) to detect TS expression.
- Histological grading of renal allograft biopsies according to the Banff classification.
- Quantification of TS staining in glomeruli, interstitium, tubules, and vessels.
Main Results:
- TS staining was significantly increased in glomeruli of acute rejection (AR) specimens and in the interstitium of AR with chronic nephropathy (AR/CN) specimens.
- Higher TS staining grades were associated with a faster decline in kidney graft function at 6 months post-biopsy.
- Positively staining cells in allografts were morphologically consistent with macrophage/monocyte lineage.
Conclusions:
- TS expression is upregulated in kidney allografts experiencing acute rejection, with or without chronic changes.
- Increased TS expression is a potential biomarker for predicting poorer kidney allograft outcomes.