[Cellular mechanisms in graft rejection of peripheral nerve transplants].

Allogeneic nerve specimens (sciatic nerve) were transplanted in rats. Cyclosporin A was used as an immunosuppressive agent. Under this treatment reinnervation occurred. Without treatment, nerve grafts were rejected. In order to monitor the acute cellular rejection, the nerve grafts were surrounded by a silicon tube. The perineural exudate and the mononuclear cells contained in it were aspirated at three day intervals by fine needle aspiration. Exact analysis of the mononuclear cells involved in the rejection mechanism and their degree of activation could in future provide a tool that allows control of nerve graft rejection and estimation of the effect of immunosuppressive treatment.