Dog leukocyte antigen (DLA)-matched and mismatched, fresh and frozen
(cryopreserved) osteochondral allografts of the proximal part of the radius
were implanted orthotopically in beagles. The systemic and local
(intra-articular) immune responses were monitored for eleven months using a
51chromium release assay with donor peripheral-blood lymphocytes as target
cells. DLA-mismatched fresh grafts markedly and persistently stimulated the
formation of antibody directed against donor cell-surface antigens, while
DLA-matched grafts did not elicit systemically detectable antibody. The
same general pattern was noted when antibody-dependent cell-mediated
cytotoxicity was assayed. There was measurable cell-mediated immunity to
donor cells from six weeks after surgery onward, although no distinct
pattern or differences between experimental groups were noted. Higher
titers of anti-DLA antibody were found in synovial fluid than in serum; in
fact, synovial antibody was detectable when systemic antibody was not.
Joints that received DLA-mismatched grafts had the highest titer of
antibody and the intra-articular response was significantly reduced when
the graft had been frozen.