Heart transplantation in baboons using alpha1,3-galactosyltransferase gene-knockout pigs as donors: initial experience.

Kuwaki, Kenji; Tseng, Yau-Lin; Dor, Frank J M F; Shimizu, Akira; Houser, Stuart L; Sanderson, Todd M; Lancos, Courtney J; Prabharasuth, Derek D et al. · Nat Med · 2005

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Hearts from alpha1,3-galactosyltransferase knockout pigs (GalT-KO, n = 8) were transplanted heterotopically into baboons using an anti-CD154 monoclonal antibody-based regimen. The elimination of the galactose-alpha1,3-galactose epitope prevented hyperacute rejection and extended survival of pig hearts in baboons for 2-6 months (median, 78 d); the predominant lesion associated with graft failure was a thrombotic microangiopathy, with resulting ischemic injury. There were no infectious complications directly related to the immunosuppressive regimen. The transplantation of hearts from GalT-KO pigs increased graft survival over previous studies.

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