Biomedical subjects

P Poncet

Publications and source records attributed to P Poncet.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2003

Polygalacturonase (pectinase), a new oilseed rape allergen.

BACKGROUND: Type I hypersensitivity to rapeseed pollen allergens was described as the result of a cross-sensitization with various pollens that could constitute an aggravating factor in birch or grass pollen allergies. Recently, a few rapeseed pollen allergens were described. The aim of the present work was to identify new rapeseed pollen allergens by using two-dimensional gel analysis, microsequencing, and mass spectrometry. METHODS: Water extractable proteins from oilseed rape pollen or stamen were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The proteins were then electroblotted onto a nitrocellulose (NC) sheet. The NC sheets were successively incubated with (1) individual human sera pre-selected for their immunoglobulin E (IgE) reactivity to rapeseed pollen proteins, (2) alkaline phosphatase (AP)-conjugated goat anti-human IgE and (3) AP substrate. The allergens localized by this method were then identified by microsequencing and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry analysis. RESULTS: Of the 18 sera studied, five recognized a wide multispot zone with a molecular mass around 43 kD and pIs between 6.5 and 8.5. The results obtained with two representative sera are shown. From this zone, two isoforms of the polygalacturonase enzyme were identified by microsequencing. Confirmation was obtained through MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry analysis. CONCLUSION: The present results allow the identification of a new rapeseed allergen that can be the main allergen for some patients.

Allergens↗

PubMed2003

Lipid transfer protein 1 is a possible allergen in Arabidopsis thaliana.

BACKGROUND: The Arabidopsis thaliana genome was recently fully sequenced, and this plant is now considered as the most useful model to study the effects of genetic engineering. The aim of the present study was to identify A. thaliana IgE-binding molecules and to localize their genes in order to evaluate the potential effect of gene insertion on the expression of IgE-binding molecules. METHODS: A. thaliana flower proteins were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and transferred onto a nitrocellulose sheet. The nitrocellulose sheet was successively incubated with human sera known to contain IgE that binds to rapeseed proteins, alkaline phosphatase-conjugated goat anti-human IgE and 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl phosphate and nitroblue tetrazolium. One allergen was further identified by N-terminal amino acid microsequencing. RESULTS: The results showed that some individuals possessed IgE that recognized numerous proteins with high molecular masses and various isoelectric points. This binding pattern strongly suggests that the epitopes recognized by these IgE could be, at least partly, sugar residues. Otherwise, out of the 10 sera that possessed IgE to Arabidopsis flower proteins, one serum strongly recognized a unique basic protein with an apparent molecular mass of around 14 kD. This protein was identified by amino acid microsequencing as the lipid transfer protein 1 (LTP1). CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated that A. Thaliana LTP1 is IgE reactive. The gene encoding this protein is located on chromosome 2, but it has been described that family 1 of A. Thaliana LTPs constitutes a multigenic family with genes located on various chromosomes.

Allergens↗

PubMed2001

Geometric torsion in idiopathic scoliosis: three-dimensional analysis and proposal for a new classification.

STUDY DESIGN: Three-dimensionally reconstructed spines of 62 subjects with idiopathic scoliosis were reviewed for three-dimensional pattern classification based on the measurement of geometric torsion. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relevance of geometric torsion as a three-dimensional index of scoliosis, and to develop a three-dimensional classification of deformity for idiopathic scoliosis as opposed to the current classifications based on two-dimensional frontal views. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Attempts have been made to measure the geometric torsional shape of scoliotic curves represented curvilinearly. However, the geometric torsion phenomenon has never been properly analyzed and thus has never been precisely defined. METHODS: Standardized stereoradiographs of 62 patients with idiopathic scoliosis were obtained and used to generate three-dimensional reconstructions. A continuous parametric form of the curved line that passes through the vertebrae was created by least square fitting of Fourier series functions. Frenet's formulas then were used to calculate the geometric torsion. RESULTS: Analysis of geometric torsion associated with 94 major scoliotic curves allowed three basic categories of torsion curve patterns to be identified. Scoliotic spines with multiple major curves are described by a combination of basic torsion patterns, one for each curve. CONCLUSIONS: A three-dimensional analysis of the spine in terms of geometric torsion has defined three distinct patterns of torsion in a group of scoliotic curves. Geometric torsion had extreme values at the levels of upper and lower vertebrae, but zero or nearly zero values at the levels of the apices. The torsional phenomenon can be unidirectional or bidirectional in both single and double major curves.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Estimation of spinal deformity in scoliosis from torso surface cross sections.

STUDY DESIGN: Correlation of torso scan and three-dimensional radiographic data in 65 scans of 40 subjects. OBJECTIVES: To assess whether full-torso surface laser scan images can be effectively used to estimate spinal deformity with the aid of an artificial neural network. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Quantification of torso surface asymmetry may aid diagnosis and monitoring of scoliosis and thereby minimize the use of radiographs. Artificial neural networks are computing tools designed to relate input and output data when the form of the relation is unknown. METHODS: A three-dimensional torso scan taken concurrently with a pair of radiographs was used to generate an integrated three-dimensional model of the spine and torso surface. Sixty-five scan-radiograph pairs were generated during 18 months in 40 patients (Cobb angles 0-58 degrees ): 34 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and six with juvenile scoliosis. Sixteen (25%) were randomly selected for testing and the remainder (n = 49) used to train the artificial neural network. Contours were cut through the torso model at each vertebral level, and the line joining the centroids of area of the torso contours was generated. Lateral deviations and angles of curvature of this line, and the relative rotations of the principal axes of each contour were computed. Artificial neural network estimations of maximal computer Cobb angle were made. RESULTS: Torso-spine correlations were generally weak (r < 0.5), although the range of torso rotation related moderately well to the maximal Cobb angle (r = 0.64). Deformity of the torso centroid line was minimal despite significant spinal deformity in the patients studied. Despite these limitations and the small data set, the artificial neural network estimated the maximal Cobb angle within 6 degrees in 63% of the test data set and was able to distinguish a Cobb angle greater than 30 degrees with a sensitivity of 1.0 and specificity of 0.75. CONCLUSIONS: Neural-network analysis of full-torso scan imaging shows promise to accurately estimate scoliotic spinal deformity in a variety of patients.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Biochemical characterization and surfactant properties of horse allergens.

A new allergen from horse dander, Equ c 5 has been purified. Its biochemical and biophysical properties have been characterized and compared with those of Equ c 1, Equ c 2 and Equ c 4. Their molecular masses, determined by mass spectrometry, were 22 kDa for Equ c 1, 16 kDa for Equ c 2, 18.7 kDa for Equ c 4 and 16.7 kDa for Equ c 5. Their pI values were between 3.8 and 5.25. Equ c 2 and Equ c 5 are not glycosylated, while Equ c 4 contains a tri-antennary tri-sialylated N-linked glycan. Linkages of terminal N-acetylneuraminic acid to galactose were: alpha-(2-->6) in Equ c 4, and both alpha-(2-->3) and alpha-(2-->6) in Equ c 1. Oligosaccharide portions of Equ c 1 or Equ c 4 were barely involved in IgE-immunoreactivity. Partial N-terminal sequence of Equ c 4 shares a significant sequence homology with the rat submandibular gland protein A. No matching was found for two internal peptides of Equ c 5. Surfactant properties of horse allergens as well as other proteins were investigated. In contrast to Equ c 2 and Equ c 3, solutions of Equ c 1, Equ c 4 and Equ c 5 significantly lowered the surface tension. Relationship between a property such as this, involving oriented hydrophobic patches of a molecule and allergenicity, is addressed.

Allergens↗

PubMed2000

Crystal structure of the allergen Equ c 1. A dimeric lipocalin with restricted IgE-reactive epitopes.

The three-dimensional structure of the major horse allergen Equ c 1 has been determined at 2.3 A resolution by x-ray crystallography. Equ c 1 displays the typical fold of lipocalins, a beta-barrel flanked by a C-terminal alpha-helix. The space between the two beta-sheets of the barrel defines an internal cavity that could serve, as in other lipocalins, for the binding and transport of small hydrophobic ligands. Equ c 1 crystallizes in a novel dimeric form, which is distinct from that observed in other lipocalin dimers and corresponds to the functional form of the allergen. Binding studies of point mutants of the allergen with specific monoclonal antibodies raised in mouse and IgE serum from horse allergic patients allowed to identify putative B cell antigenic determinants. In addition, total inhibition of IgE serum recognition by a single specific monoclonal antibody revealed the restricted nature of the IgE binding target on the molecular surface of Equ c 1.

Allergens↗

PubMed2000

Involvement of antibody-dependent apoptosis in graft rejection.

BACKGROUND: Both humoral factors and apoptosis have been recently suggested to play a role in chronic allograft rejection. However, a link between alloantibodies and grafted cell apoptosis has never been proposed. Using the aortic allograft model in the rat, we have previously demonstrated the presence of IgG associated with the disappearance of donor endothelial and medial smooth muscle cells. In the present study, we tested the interaction between recipient allosera, enriched with antibodies by presensitization, and primary culture of cardiovascular cells of donor origin. METHODS: For this purpose endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, adventitial fibroblasts, and cardiac myocytes of donor origin were cultured. Binding of alloantisera to these cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. Apoptosis of donor cells was evaluated by Tdt-mediated d' UTP-FITC nick end labeling, 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole and DNA ladder techniques. The alloantisera were compared with anti-MHC class I monoclonal antibodies. Finally the colocalization of antibodies and apoptosis was investigated in vivo. RESULTS: In vitro, alloantisera bind to cardiovascular cells of donor origin. These cells expressed MHC class I but not MHC class II. There was a partial competition between anti-MHC I mouse monoclonal antibody and alloantisera mainly of the IgG isotype. Alloantisera bound to, but did not induce lysis of, donor RBC. Alloantisera induced apoptosis of donor cardiovascular cells as assessed by the typical morphological aspect of the donor cells after 24 hr of incubation. These data were confirmed by the Tdt-mediated d' UTP-FITC nick end labeling positivity of the cells and the fragmentation of the nucleus visualized by 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole and DNA ladder techniques. Similar apoptosis was induced by specific monoclonal antibodies directed against the MHC class I of donor cells. Primary culture of similar vascular cells of recipient origin was insensitive to alloantisera directed against donor alloantigens. Finally, in vivo, using allopresentization and aortic allografts, an association of alloantibody binding and endothelial cell apoptosis was observed at day 5, and a similar association with smooth muscle cell apoptosis on day 12 after grafting. CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate the role of humoral injury in chronic allograft rejection and suggest new therapeutical approaches focused on the induction of resistance to antibody-dependent apoptosis.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Reconstruction of laser-scanned 3D torso topography and stereoradiographical spine and rib-cage geometry in scoliosis.

Assessments of scoliosis are routinely done by means of clinical examination and full spinal x-rays. Multiple exposure to ionization radiation, however, can be hazardous to the child and is costly. Here, we explain the use of a noninvasive imaging technique, based on laser optical scanning, for quantifying the three-dimensional (3D) trunk surface topography that can be used to estimate parameters of 3D deformity of the spine. The laser optical scanning system consisted of four BIRIS laser cameras mounted on a ring moving along a vertical axis, producing a topographical mapping of the entire torso. In conjunction with the laser scans, an accurate 3D reconstruction of the spine and rib cage were developed from the digitized x-ray images. Results from 14 scoliotic patients are reported. The digitized surfaces provided the foundation data to start studying concordance of trunk surface asymmetry and spinal shape in idiopathic scoliosis.

Calibration↗

PubMed2000

Immunologic stimulation of mast cells leads to the reversible exposure of phosphatidylserine in the absence of apoptosis.

BACKGROUND: Loss of phospholipid asymmetry represents one of the hallmarks of apoptosis and results in the surface exposure of phosphatidylserine (PS) which can be indirectly monitored by the calcium-dependent binding of annexin V. METHODS AND RESULTS: Here, we provide evidence that the IgE-dependent stimulation of a rat mast cell line, as well as murine and human nontransformed mast cells, leads to the exposure of PS at the plasma membrane. The appearance of PS was quantitatively related to allergic mediator release. Pharmacological agents that prevent stimulus-secretion coupling blocked PS cell surface exposure and calcium ionophore-induced PS appearance, suggesting that it is a direct consequence of exocytosis rather than early signaling events initiated by the aggregation of the high-affinity IgE receptor (FcepsilonRI). The surface exposure of PS in mast cells was reversible even in the continuous presence of stimulus and was not associated with the appearance of apoptotic nuclei, demonstrating that it was independent of physiological cell death. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to providing a means of monitoring exocytosis at the single cell level, our results indicate that PS externalization in mast cells is not necessarily related to apoptosis but could be an important feature of the degranulation process.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

MHC class II-dependent activation of CD4+ T cell hybridomas by human mast cells through superantigen presentation.

Human mast cells (MC) were examined for expression of MHC class II antigens and for their ability to activate CD4+ T cell hybridomas through presentation of superantigen (SAg). HMC-1, a leukemic immature MC line expressing class II Ags, was shown to efficiently present the staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) SAg to responding T cell hybridoma on treatment with interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), which up-regulated class II molecules. The study was then extended to human normal MC. Almost pure (>99%) cord blood-derived MC (CBMC) were shown to express class II Ags (HLA-DR and HLA-DQ) and CD80, which were up-regulated by IFN-gamma treatment and, to a lesser extent, by interleukin-4 (IL-4) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). CBMC directly activated CD4+ T cell hybridomas through presentation of SEB and TSST1 SAgs. The production of IL-2 required a cell-to-cell contact between T cells and CBMC and it was inhibited by anti-class II antibodies. Furthermore, an additional pretreatment of CBMC by IFN-gamma or GM-CSF or IL-4 had no effect on their presenting efficiency. This previously unknown function of human MC, i.e., MHC class II-dependent activation of CD4+ T cells, may be critical in subsequent cellular activation events because colocalization of mast and T cells is frequently observed at sites of antigen entry.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Targeted transfection of the IL-3 gene into primary human hematopoietic progenitor cells through the c-kit receptor.

We recently showed that an antibody-mediated gene transfer procedure termed antifection can be used for targeted gene delivery into lymphoid cells in vitro and in vivo. We here report that antifection also is effective for targeted gene transfer to immature hematopoietic cells. A human IL3-expressing plasmid was chemically linked to an anti-human CD117 antibody. Delivery of the IL3 plasmid into IL-3-dependent myeloid TF-1 cells (bearing the CD117 antigen) was specific and resulted in the transient proliferation of the targeted cells in the absence of exogenous IL-3. Transfection of primary human CD34+ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells led to transient production of IL-3 and transient proliferation of the target cells. Interestingly, by using a semisolid progenitor cell assay, we found that transfected primary CD34+ cells were able to generate normal numbers of cell colonies in the absence of exogenous IL-3. Polymerase chain reaction analysis confirmed the presence and expression of the IL-3 transgene in the progenitor-derived colonies. In conclusion, our data show that CD117 is a suitable cell surface target to specifically transfer gene by antifection into primary CD34+ cells and that delivery of IL-3 gene in these cells resulted in the expression of a functional IL-3 able to support cell growth in absence of exogenous cytokine. Thus, antifection may provide new therapeutic modality relying on the transient production of appropriate growth factors acting via autocrine and/or paracrine mechanisms.

Antigens, CD34↗

PubMed1999

[Prognostic factors in malignant melanoma of the conjunctiva. An anatomo-clinical study of 56 patients].

UNLABELLED: We have reviewed a serie of 56 patients treated in our Institute for malignant melanoma of the conjunctiva between 1980 and 1992. We selected cases where histology had been reviewed. PATIENTS AND METHOD: The median follow up is 96 months. The age varies from 13 to 88 years with a mean age of 56 years. There were 22 men and 34 females. In 29 cases (51%) the melanoma appeared de novo, ten cases (17%) it derived from a naevus and in 14 cases (25%) on a precancerous melanosis. The tumour was localized at the limbus and bulbar conjunctiva in 57% of cases. The mean diameter was 6.1 mm and the mean thickness was 2.3 mm. The treatment consisted in surgical excision of the tumour followed by external beam radiothérapy in 49 cases. Histological examination showed invasion of the chorion in 44 cases (78%) and of the sclera in 6 cases (1%). RESULTS: 38 patients are alive and 29 without disease. 2 with disease, 7 lost follow-up. 18 patients died (32%) and among them 14 (25%) died of metastatic disease. 22 patients (39%) have presented local recurrence and among them 10 have had multiple recurrences. The mean delay for recurrence was 56 months. The overall survival was 77% at 5 years and 64% at 10 years. Tumours appeared de novo have a worse prognosis. If we consider the localization tumour located at the limbus or on bulbar conjunctiva have less metastasis. CONCLUSION: Malignant melanoma of conjunctiva is a tumour that can frequently recur. Metastasis are not infrequent and follow up must be prolonged.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

A signalling accessory molecule revealed by a new anti-fibroblastoid L cell monoclonal antibody.

Fibroblastoid mouse L-cells are widely used in immunological models because when transfected with class II-coding genes they become efficient antigen presenting cells. Little is known, however, about the cell surface markers borne by L-cells and their putative involvement/Interference with the experimental models studied. Rats were immunized against DAP.3 cells (subclone of L-cells) and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were prepared. One of them, 4D4, was studied in detail. It recognizes an epitope which is neither cell lineage- nor strain- nor species-restricted since, in addition to DAP.3 cells, it binds, as determined by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry, to various cells such as CD8+ T cells from thymus, spleen, lymph node or intestinal epithelium, mouse peritoneal B cells and various tissues such as renal, pulmonary or intestinal epithelia. 4D4 mAb immunoprecipitates an undescribed 68 kDa protein. Functionally, this mAb inhibits the IL-2 secretion of a T cell clone in response to its peptide presented by appropriate class II-transfected L-cells and induces a negative selection of double positive CD4+CD8+ thymocytes. Since the 4D4 ligand is found on cells which are submitted to selection (T cells) and on cells which mediate selection (epithelial and antigen presenting cells), we conclude that 4D4 mAb defines a cell surface antigen involved, as an accessory molecule, in a cell selection process.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

[Unilateral retinoblastomas with late bilateralization. Three case reports].

Three cases of unilateral retinoblastoma with late bilateralization are presented in this study. The rare occurrence of this event underlines the need for prolonged follow-up in the fellow-eye, even in the absence of familial retinoblastoma. In these three cases, the first affected eye was enucleated after a diagnosis made at three months, sixteen months and three years of age. New tumors appeared in the second eye when the children were sixteen years old in one case and five years old in two cases.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

Mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells and mast cell lines constitutively produce B cell growth and differentiation activities.

The present report describes a novel function of mast cells that consists of a B cell growth activity. The B cell response occurred without any stimulation or preactivation of mast cells. A small number of mast cells was required, since mast cell/B cell ratios as low as 1/100 to 1/10,000 lead to effective B cell activation. Mast cell-dependent B cell activation resulted, within 48 h of incubation, in blast formation, proliferation, and IgM production. Both low and high density B cells were responsive to mast cells. Supernatants from unstimulated mast cells could also activate B cells, suggesting that a B cell-stimulating activity (MC-BSA) is mediated by a soluble factor(s). The addition of anti-IL-4 or anti-IL-6 mAbs or even proteases to the mast cell-derived supernatants did not alter B cell activation. However, treatment of mast cells with mitomycin C or actinomycin D, or paraformaldehyde fixation totally abrogated MC-BSA. Fractionation of mast cell supernatant by gel filtration chromatography resulted in four peaks, ranging from > 200 to 15 kDa, all of which were biologically active on B cells. Because mast cells are known to continuously release proteoglycans, MC-BSA was subjected to chondroitinase and heparinase treatment, but no significant inhibition of B cell activation was obtained. This direct T cell-independent stimulatory effect of mast cells on B cells could account for a mechanism by which plasma cells are continuously produced in lymphoid organs and particularly in bone marrow.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Anemia is associated with lower local-regional control and survival after radiation therapy for head and neck cancer: a prospective study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prognostic value of anemia in squamous cell carcinomas in the head and neck treated with curative radiation therapy alone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a prospective study, the hemoglobin level was measured prior to radiation therapy in 217 patients (188 [87%] men and 29 [13%] women) with cancer of the oral cavity (n = 61 [28%]), oropharynx (n = 53 [24%]), hypopharynx (n = 21 [10%]), and larynx (n = 82 [38%]). Anemia, defined as hemoglobin level below 13.5 g/dL in men and below 12.0 g/dL in women, was diagnosed in 58 (31%) of the men and five (17%) of the women. Median follow-up was 29 months (range, 2-63 months). RESULTS: The 2-year actuarial probability of local-regional control was 69% (95% confidence interval, 63%, 76%). Multivariate analysis showed the relative risk of failure of local-regional control to increase for stage T3 and T4 tumors (1.8 [95% confidence interval, 1.1, 3.1]), stage N3 nodes (3.6 [95% confidence interval, 1.8, 7.1]), weight loss (2.2 [95% confidence interval, 1.3, 4.0]), and anemia (1.6 [95% confidence interval, 1.0-2.7]). The relative risk of death increased for stage T3 and T4 tumors (2.5 [95% confidence interval, 1.4, 4.3]), N3 nodes (4.0 [95% confidence interval, 1.0, 7.9]), oral cavity tumors (2.0 [95% confidence interval, 1.2, 3.2]), male sex (4.1 [95% confidence interval, 1.3, 13.1]), weight loss (2.2 [95% confidence interval, 1.3, 3.7]), and anemia (1.7 [95% confidence interval, 1.03, 2.7]). CONCLUSION: Moderate anemia appeared to be an independent prognostic factor in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck treated with radiation therapy alone.

Actuarial Analysis↗

PubMed1996

Antifection: an antibody-mediated method to introduce genes into lymphoid cells in vitro and in vivo.

We have developed a simple, safe and versatile method, termed antifection, by which antibodies are used as delivery vehicles to introduce genes into cells expressing specific surface antigens. Antibodies directed against CD3, CD34 or surface immunoglobulins were covalently coupled to plasmids containing marker genes (neoR, beta-galactosidase). Such conjugates were used in vitro and/or in vivo to antifect (transfect using antifection) cells bearing the respective targeted epitope on either normal splenic B lymphocytes or lymphoid-related cell lines. In these conditions the expression of the protein encoded by the marker gene was readily detected. Antifection is a method of delivering genes through a physiological cellular pathway, receptor-mediated endocytosis, into specific cell types, and thus may be considered as an alternative for gene therapy strategy.

Antibodies↗

PubMed1995

Sequential immunological targeting of chronic experimental arterial allograft.

Arterial wall is the main site involved in the chronic rejection process. The rat aortic allograft model was used here to characterize and describe the sequential evolution of the different targets and effectors of arterial wall immunological injury and response during arterial allograft rejection. Rat abdominal aortae were isografted or allografted from Brown-Norway to Lewis rats. Endothelial and smooth muscle cell injury and humoral and cellular immunological effectors were characterized from 0 to 60 days after transplantation using a battery of specific antibodies. The intimal proliferative response was also characterized over this time. Isografted Brown-Norway aorta adventitia had very few cellular components, which suggests that donor adventitia would be poorly antigenic in allografts. In contrast, allograft adventitia was the site of a major inflammatory cell invasion in which the expression of an adhesion molecule by colonizing capillary endothelial cells could play a main role. This adventitial infiltration continued as long as medial smooth muscle persisted. The luminal endothelial cells disappeared early, probably associated with macrophage margination. In contrast, medial smooth muscle cell disappearance occurred later and was specifically targeted by immunoglobulins. Intimal proliferation was the most delayed phenomenon, involving both inflammatory cell infiltration at an early stage and later myofibroblastic proliferation, and could be related to the specific expression of growth factors in this layer. The rat aortic allograft model appeared useful for characterizing specific targets and effectors of chronic arterial graft rejection, demonstrating an early stage of endothelial injury and the presence of immunoglobulins involved in chronic medial smooth muscle cell injury.

Animals↗