Potential of aspirin to inhibit thrombotic microangiopathy in alpha1,3-galactosyltransferase gene-knockout pig hearts after transplantation in baboons

Transplant Proc. 2005 Jan-Feb;37(1):489-90. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2004.12.235.

Abstract

Hearts from alpha1,3-Galactosyltransferase gene-knockout (GaIT-KO) pigs were transplanted heterotopically into 8 baboons that received an anti-CD154 monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based immunosuppressive regimen and heparin. Three baboons died or were euthanized with beating grafts on 16, 23, and 56 days, respectively, and the remaining 5 grafts functioned for 59-179 days. Hyperacute rejection did not occur, and classical features of acute humoral xenograft or acute cellular rejection were rare. However, thrombotic microangiopathy (TM) developed in all cases; its onset was delayed in 2 baboons that received aspirin. Function of a pig organ in a baboon for a period approaching 6 months has not been reported previously and lends encouragement that the barriers to xenotransplantation will be overcome, but TM requires investigation.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aspirin / therapeutic use*
  • Fibrinolytic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Galactosyltransferases / deficiency*
  • Galactosyltransferases / genetics*
  • Gene Deletion*
  • Graft Rejection / prevention & control*
  • Graft Survival
  • Heart Transplantation / methods*
  • Papio
  • Swine
  • Thrombosis / prevention & control*
  • Transplantation, Heterologous / methods*

Substances

  • Fibrinolytic Agents
  • Galactosyltransferases
  • beta-D-galactosyl-N-acetylglucosaminylglycopeptide alpha-1,3-galactosyltransferase
  • Aspirin