[Pathological assessments of allografts after heart transplantation using a dog model--allograft vasculopathy]

The pathological findings of allografts after heart transplantation were assessed in long-term period using a dog model. Eight orthotopic heart transplantations were performed with cross-circulation method using a dog. Two dogs survived over 1 year after heart transplantation. One dog died due to cardiac rejection, and the another dog died due to infection at 14 months and 16 months after the transplantation, respectively. The coronary artery morphologic features were assessed in the allografts. The pathological findings showed fibrous intimal thickening with infiltration of lymphocytes and macrophages. And it was diffusely distributed to each area of transplanted heart. The stenosis of coronary lumen was significantly seen in middle size of coronary arteries which was from 100 microns to 50 microns. The characteristics of these findings in comparison with arteriosclerosis change were 1) rapid progression, 2) diffuse fibrous intimal thickening, 3) preserved internal elastic lamia. These findings might be important for treating this complication.