Relationship between the expression levels of CD61, CD63, and PAC-1 on platelet surface in peripheral blood and the transplanted kidney function

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the relationships between the expression levels of CD61, CD63, and PAC-1 on the platelet surface and the incidences of acute rejection and tubular necrosis as well as the recovery of graft function after renal transplantation.

Methods: The expression levels of CD61, CD63, and PAC-1 on platelet surfaces were assayed by flow cytometry in 86 patients with different stages of uremia before and after transplantation. Patients were divided into three groups: 29 patients with normal graft function, 30 with acute rejection, and 27 with acute tubular necrosis. Patients with acute rejection were randomly assigned into groups treated with or without anticoagulants.

Results: The expression levels of CD61, CD63, and PAC-1 on platelet surfaces significantly increased (P <.05) among patients with acute rejection, as compared with those with normal graft function or acute tubular necrosis. Compared with controls, the expression levels of CD61, CD63, and PAC-1 were lower among acute rejection patients who, received anticoagulant therapy. The recovery time for graft function shorter and, the 1-year patients and graft survival rates higher.

Conclusions: The pretransplant expression levels of CD61, CD63, and PAC-1 on platelet surface were significantly higher among patients with acute rejection, suggesting that this complication rather than acute tubular necrosis may be related to platelet activation. Patients with acute rejection displayed benefit from anticoagulant therapy.