Expression of Platelet-Derived Growth Factor and Fibroblast Growth Factor in Cryopreserved Endomyocardial Biopsies Early and Late After Heart Transplant

The increased expression of PDGF and FGF in the first postoperative week can be interpreted as an unspecific reaction to peritransplant injury. This might be related to important reparative, angioprotective, and wound-healing processes shortly after the heart transplant had taken place. The weak expression in the later period appears to be linked to a stable transplant function and a direct influence by the immunosuppressive therapy.