Graft versus host reactions in the rat. An experimental study

This study postulates that Graft versus Host Disease can, theoretically, be seen as the resultant of three vectors, which might be of crucial importance not only in the initiation but also in the manner of progression of the GvH reaction (GvIHR). These vectors are firstly the T cell population and their phenotypically determined subsets (UnC OX-8+ and W3/25+ Tcells). Secondly, the degree of MHC incompatibility (class I and class II ) and lastly the target organ systen involved. This latter vector comprises organs of both the lympho-hemopoietic and non-lympho-hemopoietic system. This thesis investigates the roles of these three vectors separately and/or in combination in a series of experiments designed to shed light on their relative importance in conditloning the nature of the GvHD. Evidence is presented which indicates that it is the first two vectors that primarily determine the strength of the GvHR, whereas it is the third vector that determines the final outcome of a GvHD. ... Zie: Summary