Role of NFAT in CsA downregulating IFN-? gene transcription after liver transplantation* / 中国病理生理杂志

ABSTRACT

AIM: To investigate the role of NFAT in cyclosporine A downregulating IFN-? gene transcription after liver transplantation. METHODS: Rat orthotopic liver transplantation model was employed and 3 groups of experiments were performed in this study. GroupⅠ syngeneic control (Wistar-to-Wistar); GroupⅡ acute rejection (SD-to-Wistar). GroupⅢ acute rejection treated with cyclosporine A intramuscularly (SD-to-Wistar+CsA). EMSA and RT-PCR were used to analyze NFAT activity of splenocytes and IFN-? gene transcription intragraft of recipients with or without CsA treatment after liver transplantation. Histopathological assessment was also performed for reference. RESULTS: No noticeable rejection was detected in GroupⅠ while only low level of IFN-? mRNA transcription and faint NFAT activity were measured. In contrast, a marked rejection reaction was demonstrated from day3 postoperation in GroupⅡ. IFN-? mRNA transcription was significant and NFAT activity was intensive. In comparison to GroupⅡ, rejection grade in Group Ⅲ significantly decreased (P