Apoptosis in pancreatic allograft rejection - ultrastructural observations

Transplantation of pancreaticoduodenal allografts in the PVG.RT1c---PVG.RT1u high responder rat strain combination led to the evolution of haemorrhagic pancreatic necrosis over a rejection course of 8d. A cellular infiltrate consisting mainly of monocytes and macrophages was detectable in the stroma while acinar cells showed degranulation and a progressive decrease in number. From day 4 on apoptotic bodies could be identified ultrastructurally within the exocrine tissue. Apoptosis during pancreas rejection, previously undescribed, contributes to acinar cell loss after transplantation in this model.