Journal of Dental Research, Vol 63, 41-43, Copyright © 1984 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Skin graft rejection after allogeneic tooth transplants in mice
G. R. Riviere
Three strain combinations of in-bred mice representing strong and moderate
histocompatibility barriers were used to determine if tooth allotransplants
evoked strong or weak immunologic memory as measured by the second-set
donor-strain skin graft technique. At issue was whether the anatomic site
of engraftment could influence the outcome of these experiments. Recipients
received either 5-mm-diameter skin grafts or one or four adult teeth.
Experimental transplants were placed in subcutaneous pouches or in ear
pouches. Control mice received only orthotopic skin grafts. Second-set
orthotopic skin grafts were placed either one mo, six mo, or 11 mo after
primary transplants. Skin grafts were observed daily until rejection
occurred. We found that skin provoked strong memory in subcutaneous
tissues, but that teeth generated very weak memory in subcutaneous tissues.
Conversely, teeth placed in ear pouches were able to generate strong
immunologic memory. This occurred whether donor and recipient shared H-2
allo-antigens, or whether one tooth or four teeth were grafted, and the
difference persisted for at least six mo. We conclude that teeth are not
weak antigens, nor is the subcutaneous site privileged regarding
immunologic memory. Rather, there seems to be some critical interaction
between teeth and the immune system draining subcutaneous tissues that
results in a failure to generate strong anamnestic immunity. Perhaps
definition of the processes involved will be of advantage in future human
applications.
