Abstract
Microvascular thrombosis is a prominent feature in cardiac delayed xenograft rejection (DXR). We investigated the impact of warfarin or low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) anti-coagulation on xenograft function using a heterotopic pig-to-primate model. Donor hearts were from CD46 transgenic pigs and baboon immunosuppression included tacrolimus, sirolimus, anti-CD20 and TPC, an α-galactosyl-polyethylene glycol conjugate. Three groups of animals were studied. Group 1 (n = 9) was treated with warfarin. Group 2 (n = 13) with LMWH and Group 3, received no anticoagulant drugs. The median duration of xenograft function was 20 days (range 3-62 days), 18 days (range 5-109 days) and 15 days (range 4-53 days) in Groups 1 to 3 respectively. Anti-coagulation achieved the targeted international normalized prothrombin ratio (INR) and anti-factor Xa levels consistent with effective in vivo therapy yet, no significant impact on median xenograft function was observed. At rejection, a similar histology of thrombosis and ischemia was apparent in each group and the levels of fibrin deposition and platelet thrombi in rejected tissue was the same. Anti-coagulation with warfarin or LMWH did not have a significant impact on the onset of DXR and microvascular thrombosis. However, a role for specific anticoagulant strategies to achieve long-term xenograft function cannot be excluded.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1011-1020 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | American Journal of Transplantation |
Volume | 5 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 2005 |
Keywords
- Antibody
- Anticoagulation
- Cardiac
- Non-Gal
- Thrombosis
- Xenotransplantation
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology and Allergy
- Transplantation
- Pharmacology (medical)