Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in transplanted rat liver and its inhibitory effect

摘要

It is reported that inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) plays an important role in rejection. This study was designed to observe the expression of iNOS in the transplanted liver tissues and the effect of aminoguanidine (an inhibitor of iNOS) and FK506 (immunosuppression) on acute rejection after liver transplantation. METHODS:All rats were divided into four groups:homogeneous (LEW-LEW), acute rejection (BN-LEW), aminoguanidine (BN-LEW), and FK506 (BN-LEW). In the last two groups the drugs were used in heterogeneous rats after liver transplantation.The expression of iNOS in liver tissues of all groups was investigated immunohistochemically. RESULTS:In the acute rejection group, the expression of iNOS was extremely positive compared to the other three groups. The difference was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS:During the process of acute rejection in rat orthotopic liver transplantation, the enhanced expression of iNOS correlates to the severity of rejection. Aminoguanidine and FK506 can inhibit the expression of iNOS and palliate acute rejection.