OBJECTIVETo screen specific functional proteins from lymphocyte involved in acute rejection using differential proteomics research.

METHODSTwo groups of rat liver transplantation models were established (isograft as control and allograft as acute rejection groups) by transplantation within Wistar rats, and between Wistar and SD. Morphology study were performed by histochemistry tech, followed by serum cytokine detection with ELISA. With 2-dimensional electrophoresis, proteomes of lymphocyte from the rats of different groups were separated and 2 proteome profiles were established. Comparing with the 2 profiles, 25 spots were selected and picked for in gel digestion, followed for analysis by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI)-time of fly (TOF)/TOF MS. Two of the proteins were detected with Western blot to verify the changing profiles.

RESULTSThe results of morphology analysis and detection of cytokines (IL-2 and IFN-gamma) indicate that the animal models were established successfully and acute rejection happened after transplantation for 3 days. Twenty-five differential proteins were found out to be associated with acute rejection, among which 13 proteins were upregulated and 12 downregulated. The expression alterations of 2 proteins (beta-actin and carbonic anhydrase) are consistent with proteomics analysis results showing in Western blot.

CONCLUSIONSTwenty-five specific proteins exploiting mechanism of acute rejection are screened out, including IL-2 and carbonic anhydrase, which maybe benefit for the further works.