Objective: To detect the expression of interleukin 16 (IL-16) in skin allografts of recipient mice and the serum level of IL-16.
Methods: Two different mouse models of skin allografts were used: the isotransplant group (C57BL/6--C57BL/6, n=45) and the allotransplantation group (BALB/c--C57BL/6, n=45). The level of IL-16 in sera and skin graft homogenates was tested by ELISA at 1, 3, 5 and 7 days after transplantation and the expression of IL-16 mRNA in skin allografts was measured by reverse transcription PCR at the same time points.
Results: At 3, 5 and 7 days after skin transplantation, the levels of IL-16 protein and mRNA in the skin allografts and serum level of IL-16 in the allotransplantation group were significantly higher than those in the isotransplant group.
Conclusion: The expression of IL-16 is increased in the mouse skin allografts.