ABO expression on islet of Langerhans cells and activation of the complement system
Year: 2007
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Islet of Langerhans cells are readily destroyed once transplanted to a Type 1 diabetic despite being ABO compatible. The complement system and the coagulation cascade play a role in this destruction. My project involves investigation of blood group antigens expressed on both paraffin embedded islets using immunohistochemistry techniques and on fresh human and pig islets using the Complex Object Parametric Analyser and Sorter (COPAS) and the confocal microscope. Optimisation of various immunohistochemistry methods allowed ABO, endothelial cells and collagen staining patterns to be visualised. Fresh islets were analysed in the same manner using FITC conjugated antibodies and COPAS analysis. Islets were also incubated with autologous, compatible and incompatible plasma to assess if there was a difference in blood group, IgG, IgM and C3c binding. Conclusions drawn seem to suggest that the islets used for transplantation are contaminated with exocrine parts rich in ABO and collagen antigens and that binding of complement factors rise when islets are incubated in compatible plasma as well as incompatible plasma.
Author: Claire Wynne
Language: English
Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W33292439