Transplanted Heart Cardiomyocytes Reveal Continous Expression of Antiapoptotic Bcl-2 Protein

• Published in: Transplantation proceedings Vol. 39; no. 9; pp. 2841 - 2845
• Main Authors: Nozynski, J, Zakliczynski, M, Zembala-Nozynska, E, Konecka-Mrowka, D, Nikiel, B, Przybylski, R, Lange, D, Maruszewski, M, Zembala, M
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Elsevier Inc 01-11-2007; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Fundamental immunology; Medical sciences; Surgery; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Tissue, organ and graft immunology; Heart; Graft(material); Transplantation; Gene expression; Homotransplantation; Myocyte; Medicine; Treatment; Apoptosis inhibitory protein; Surgery; Cardiomyocyte; C-Onc gene; Graft; Circulatory system; Protooncogene
• ISSN: 0041-1345; 1873-2623
• DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2007.08.075

Abstract Background Apoptotic mechanisms take place in cardiocyte death during acute heart graft rejection and remodeling by the mitochondrial pathway. This process is suppressed by Bcl-2 protein. Besides that, knowledge about cardiocyte antiapoptotic responses after heart transplantation is scanty. We sought to estimate Bcl-2 expression in the absence of rejection. Material The study group included endomyocardial biopsies taken at 1 week, 1 month, 1 through to 10 years after heart transplant, which showed rejection grade “0”; the control group were donor heart fragments. Method Bcl-2 expression was determined immunohistochemically by NP030 antibody (DAKO) and Envision-DAB. The intensity of staining was assessed semiquantitatively. Results No Bcl-2 expression was seen in the controls; in the posttransplant groups, the significantly strongest sarcoplasmic reaction was observed at 1 week after heart transplant. Thereafter, the reaction decreased, and was weakest in the 3- and 5-year groups. From this time, Bcl-2 expression increased albeit without statistical significance. The intensity of the reaction showed no correlation with the time elapsed from heart transplant (Spearman r = 0.05; P > .05). Conclusion The expression of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 protein occurs during the entire posttransplant period, being probably a preservative and adaptative response.