The effect of Chinese Cobra venom on hyperacute rejection of guinea pig cardiac xenografts / 中华器官移植杂志

ABSTRACT

In an in vivo guinea pig-to-rat cardiac xenotransplantation model,the effect of complement depletion by using Chinese Cobra venom(CCV)on hyperacute rejection(HAR) was evaluated.A single low dose of 0.25～0.5mg/kg CCV given i.P.to SD significantly reduced hemolytic C activity for up to 24 hours.Rats receiving GP cardiac xenografts with CCV therapy min in control rat,P<0.01).Combination therapy using CCV,splenectomy and prostaglandin E1 induced 20~40 hours graft survival.Histologic analysis of GP cardiac xenograft taken from CCV-treated rats revealed monocyte infiltration,extensive hemorrhage and areas of myocardial necrosis 12～40 hours after transplantation.The histologic findings suggested that the monocyte may be involved in delayed xenograft rejection.Our study showed that the complement system plays an important mediating role in the hyperacute rejection in guinea pigs.