Heart transplantation model as an immunological monitor.

Abstract

Various techniques have been described for the heart model, from which we standardized two. These are simple to perform and offer the possibility of a precise determination of rejection times. This is an advantage compared to other models, such as the kidney model, which is still in use, a rejection reaction, the recipient stays alive, making the recipient available for further experiments. One disadvantage of the heart model is that histological examinations are impossible without disturbing the heart function. Thus far, responsible laboratory parameters for rejection reactions could not be differentiated for confirmation of subjective diagnoses. However, we consider this model to be useful in investigating immunological questions.