EXPRESSION OF MHC-Ⅰ AND MHC-Ⅱ ANTIGENS IN ENDOMYOCARDIAL BIOPSIES FROM PATIENTS WITH VIRAL MYOCARDITIS AND CARDIOMYOPATHY

摘要

In situ expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) Ⅰ and Ⅱ antigens were examined in endomyocardial biopsy samples from 35 patients with viral myocarditis (VMC) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Increased expressions of these 2 antigens were- observed on endocardia, capillary endothelia, dentritic and mononuclear cell membranes. The expression of sarcolemma was also found in specimens of VMC and DCM. Thus the abnormal expression of MHC is a new marker of autoimmune reactivity directed against cardiac structures.