The allograft valve in heart transplantation and valve replacement: Genetic assessment of the origin of the cells by means of deoxyribonucleic acid profiles

Assessment of the cellular origin of allograft valves is essential in comprehending their biologic behavior and is improving preparation methods. In this study we retrospectively analyzed 10 allografts obtained form patients who underwent valve replacement or heart transplantation. Histologic evaluation and deoxyribonucleic acid amplification by polymerase chain reaction technology with fluorescence labeled primers was performed on different parts of the valve leaflets. Automated analyses of the obtained amplifiers showed in the heart transplantation group the presence of receptor cells intersperses with native donor cells in three cases. Preliminary results for the valve replacement group are inconclusive as yet. ( J THORAC CARDIOVASC SURG 1995;109:218-23)