Allografting and the T cell system : a multiparameter analysis of rejection in the rat

This thesis describes an experimental study of the T cell system in relation with allogeneic organ transplantation. The experiments were performed in rats. Inbred rat strains as well as congenic rat strains are readily available. These inbred strains enable transplantation in fixed donor-recipient combinations. Data obtained from one allografted animal can therefore directly be compared with data obtained from another animal. For a dissection of the T cell system of the rat in these type of studies specific antibodies were required directed against various subpopulations of the T cells. Since hardly any of such antibodies were available for the rat, the first part of this thesis describes the development of such antibodies, using the hybridoma technique. Since in the course of the alloreaction due to activation and differentiation the phenotypical expression of cells may change it was necessary to characterize the MCA's in regard to the surface antigen, which they recognize, the cells that carry these antigens and their function during T cell activation.