Cytokine transcripts in endohyocardial biopsies from hunan cardiac all06rafts

We have Investigated the expression of 1L-2 and IFN-p (TH1) and IL-4 and IL-10 (TH2), TGF-JI1 and CD3<J in 31 endonyocardial biopsies (EMBX) from 9 different cardiac allograft recipients at various stages of acute rejection (0:N-10, 1A:N-11, lB:N-4, 2:N-5, 3A:N-1). Rejection was based on histopathological examination of biopsy material collected during the sane catheterizatlon and graded according to ISHLT guidelines. cDNA was synthesized by RTase and amplified by PCR in the presence of specific primers for CD3<5, IL-2, IFN-f, IL4, TGF-/I1 or IL-10. CD3<J transcripts were found 1n 21/31 biopsies from 7 of 9 patients, and they were quantitated using competitive PCR with a C036 mimic. In two patients, CD3<5 levels were increased with increased severity of rejection. IFN-K and IL-10 were present in 16/31 (52%) and 17/31 (55X) of biopsies, respectively. 10/31 biopsies exhibited both IFN-K and IL-10 transcripts. However, their presence did not correlate with grade of rejection nor the amount of CD3<S present in the EMBX. TGF-/S1 transcripts were found in all 31 biopsies. IL-2 was detected only in 3/31 biopsies, with grades of rejection IB, IB and 3A. IL-4 was not detected in any of the 31 biopsies studied. The role of these cytokines in human cardiac allograft rejection needs to be further elucidated.