Expression of MHC-I and MHC-II antigens in endomyocardial biopsies from patients with viral myocarditis and cardiomyopathy

Abstract

In situ expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) I and II antigens were examined in endomyocardial biopsy samples from 35 patients with viral myocarditis (VMC) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Increased expressions of these 2 antigens were observed on endocardia, capillary endothelia, dentritic and mononuclear cell membranes. The expression of sarcolemma was also found in specimens of VMC and DCM. Thus the abnormal expression of MHC is a new marker of autoimmune reactivity directed against cardiac structures.