Rejection Severity Directly Correlates With Myocyte Apoptosis in Pig-to-Baboon Cardiac Xenotransplantation

Myocyte death in rejecting pig-to-baboon cardiac xenografts occurs through an apoptotic pathway and directly correlates with the severity of graft rejection. Further studies aimed at elucidating the apoptotic stimulus are therefore warranted. Moreover, our data suggest that antiapoptotic strategies may be of benefit in the treatment of xenograft rejection.