Correlations among expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1, cellular infiltration, and coronary arteriosclerosis during chronic rejection using the rat heart transplantation model

Immunologic mechanisms contribute to the development of coronary arteriosclerosis. In this study the rat heart transplantation model was used to investigate correlations among the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule I, cellular infiltrate, and coronary arteriosclerosis during chronic rejection. Lewis rats served as heart donors and F-344 rats as recipients. Heart transplantations were performed heterotopically. The recipients were treated with ciclosporin A (5 mg/kg/day) by daily intramuscular injection for 30 days, beginning on the day of transplantation. Rejection grade and the intimal area were measured. The expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and the numbers of infiltrating CD4- and CD8-positive cells and macrophages were examined immunohistochemically. The area of the intima was significantly increased in the allograft group after transplantation. In the allograft group, the level of expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 was considerably increased over the same time period. There was increased cellular infiltration in the 60-day group, and many expressed intercellular adhesion molecule 1. The expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 in vascular endothelium, infiltrating cells, and the sarcolemmal membrane of myocytes remained constant up to 120 days in the allograft group. In the allograft group, the number of infiltrating CD4- and CD8-positive cells and macrophages increased significantly between 30 and 60 days, and the infiltration of these cells remained constant. Continuous expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 induces the infiltration of T cells and macrophages, and the inflammation caused by such cells and their soluble products contributes to the arteriosclerotic process.