Mononuclear cells from dogs with acute lung allograft rejection cause contraction of pulmonary arteries.

Abstract

The results of this study suggest that mononuclear cells cause contraction of pulmonary arteries, which can be partially inhibited by endothelium-derived nitric oxide. However, if the mononuclear cells are activated by acute pulmonary rejection, contractions are no longer inhibited by the endothelium. Under conditions of rejection, contractions are mediated in part by oxygen radicals and endothelin(s).