Loss of ecto-5′nucleotidase from porcine endothelial cells after exposure to human blood: Implications for xenotransplantation

We demonstrate a specific decrease in E5′N activity in pig hearts following exposure to human blood which impairs adenosine production resulting in a loss of a cytoprotective phenotype, contributing to xenograft rejection. This effect is triggered by human humoral immune responses, and complement contributes but does not fully mediate E5′N depletion.