Distribution of the MHC antigens after liver transplantation: relationship with biochemical and histological parameters

SUMMARY The aim of this study was to analyse the change in tissue distribution of HLA class I and class II molecules in patients during the course of liver transplantation. Sixty-one liver biopsies were analysed in 24 patients with or without rejection (acute or chronic) episode. In 93% of cases with chronic rejection and in 48% of cases with acute rejection episodes, HLA class I antigens are expressed in the membrane and/or the cytoplasm of hepatocytes. The expression of these molecules was significantly correlated with the ASP (aspartate amino transferase), AP (alkaline phosphatase), the bile duct damage and the centrolobular lesions. In contrast, the expression of HLA class II molecules is not correlated with either the type of rejection, the biological or histological findings. A strong expression of HLA class I antigen on hepatocytes after day 60 may be one of the best signs of chronic rejection.