Immune competent cells in non-irradiated autologous jejunal grafts used for reconstruction of the oral cavity and oropharynx

Autologous jejunal grafts used for primary reconstruction in cases of exten sive soft tissue defects following tumor resection in the upper aerodigesti ve tract were investigated by immunhistochemistry (APAAP technique), Biopsi es from eight patients were taken intra-operatively, at the time of transpl antation and 2, 4, and 6 months post-operatively. A panel of monoclonal ant ibodies directed against surface antigens of the major subpopulations of th e immune system was used. In all of the patients, a remarkable increase of all antigens investigated was detected 2 months post-operatively, which rem ained unchanged in the following biopsies (4 and 6 months postoperatively). Significantly higher numbers of CD45RA(+) and CD45RO(+) (P<0.05) leukocyte s were detectable. This increase was due to both subsets of T and B cells, but only for CD19(+) B cells was the increase significant. In addition, NK cells (CD16(+) lymphocytic cells, P<0.01) and mature macrophages (25F9(+) c ells, P<0.01) increased. The first post-operative biopsy showed a significa ntly higher expression of activation-associated antigens (ICAM-1, VCAM, and HLA-DR) on monocytes/macrophages and endothelial cells. Our findings indic ate that autologous jejunal grafts facilitate immunological function in the new microenvironment.