HISTOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND PHARMACOLOGICAL CONTROL OF CHRONIC REJECTION IN XENOGENEIC AND ALLOGENEIC HEART TRANSPLANTATION1

Abstract

We conclude that chronic rejection can be induced in xenografts under conditions of inadequate immunosuppression. Chronic rejection in xenografts involves arterial lesions that bear some histological similarities to, as well as differences from, those observed in chronically rejected allografts. Finally, combination therapy with CsA and Lef reduced the incidence and severity of the intimal lesions in both chronically rejecting xenografts and allografts.