Vascularized osteochondral allografts in an immunosuppressed rat model: graft modulation and host immune tolerance

The effects of 4 weeks of cyclosporin A (7 mg/kg per day) (CyA) on the survival of vascularized osteochondral grafts between rat strains [DA (donor) and Lewis (recipient)] and the presence and significance of host immune tolerance and graft antigen modulation after cessation of immunosuppression have been examined. Isografts (n = 12) survived without apparent abnormality for 8 weeks but showed signs of wasting after longer periods; unprotected allografts (n = 5) were rejected within 2 weeks. After 4 weeks of CyA, allografts remained healthy for at least 12 weeks but then deteriorated (n = 40). Antigen modulation was examined by graft removal at various intervals after cessation of CyA and reimplantation into a naive recipient (n = 14). All were rejected rapidly. Host tolerance was examined by graft removal at various periods after cessation of CyA and reimplantation of a fresh allograft (n = 15). Some of the second grafts survived at least 4 weeks without immunosuppression. The findings indicate development of incomplete host tolerance but no antigenic modulation of the graft.