Overview of the immunological mechanisms in hepatitis B virus reactivation:Implications for disease progression and management strategies

Hepatitis B virus(HBV)reactivation is a clinically significant challenge in disease management.This review explores the immunological mechanisms underlying HBV reactivation,emphasizing disease progression and management.It delves into host immune responses and reactivation’s delicate balance,spanning innate and adaptive immunity.Viral factors’disruption of this balance,as are interac-tions between viral antigens,immune cells,cytokine networks,and immune checkpoint pathways,are examined.Notably,the roles of T cells,natural killer cells,and antigen-presenting cells are discussed,highlighting their influence on disease progression.HBV reactivation’s impact on disease severity,hepatic flares,liver fibrosis progression,and hepatocellular carcinoma is detailed.Management strategies,including anti-viral and immunomodulatory approaches,are critically analyzed.The role of prophylactic anti-viral therapy during immunosuppressive treatments is explored alongside novel immunotherapeutic interventions to restore immune control and prevent reactivation.In conclusion,this compre-hensive review furnishes a holistic view of the immunological mechanisms that propel HBV reactivation.With a dedicated focus on understanding its implic-ations for disease progression and the prospects of efficient management stra-tegies,this article contributes significantly to the knowledge base.The more profound insights into the intricate interactions between viral elements and the immune system will inform evidence-based approaches,ultimately enhancing disease management and elevating patient outcomes.The dynamic landscape of management strategies is critically scrutinized,spanning anti-viral and immunomodulatory approaches.The role of prophylactic anti-viral therapy in preventing reactivation during immunosuppressive treatments and the potential of innovative immunotherapeutic interventions to restore immune control and proactively deter reactivation.

Immunological disturbance effect of exogenous histamine towards key immune cells

Histamine in food has attracted widespread attention due to the potential toxicity and associated health risk.However,its influences on immunological components,especially the function of key immune cells,are still poorly known.In this work,we explored the effects of exogenous histamine on the function of key immune cells such as intestinal epithelial cells,dendritic cells,and T cells.The results showed that histamine could affect the expression of allergy-related genes in CMT93 cells at a high dose of histamine.Moreover,it’s found that histamine could cause an imbalance in the levels of relevant immune factors secreted by dendritic cells and T cells,especially those related to allergy.At the same time,the proportion of MHC class IIpositive dendritic cells and the proportion of T helper 2(Th2)cells in CD4^(+)T cells increased after histamine stimulation.We concluded that the presence of a certain level of histamine in food may affect the expression of allergy-related cytokines,disrupt the balance of the immune homeostasis,and potentially lead to adverse immune reactions.This work demonstrated the importance of including the estimation of histamine’s immune safety in aquatic products rather than merely considering the potential risk of food poisoning.

Integrative bioinformatics and in vitro exploration of EVI2A expression:unraveling its immunological and prognostic implications in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma

EVI2A has emerged as a significant biomarker in various diseases;however,its biological role and mechanism in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma(KIRC)remains unexplored.We used TCGA and GEO databases to analyze EVI2A gene expression comprehensively and performed pan-cancer assessments.Clinical relevance was evaluated through Kaplan-Meier analysis and ROC curves.The gene’s immune relevance was explored through analyses of the tumor microenvironment(TME),Tumor Immune Single-cell Hub(TISCH),immune checkpoints,and immunotherapy sensitivity.Our results indicate that EVI2A expression is upregulated in KIRC,showing correlations with tumor grade and T/N/M stage.EVI2A demonstrates high diagnostic accuracy(AUC=0.906)and predicts poor overall and progression-free survival in KIRC patients.Furthermore,EVI2A expression exhibits significant associations with immunity,including TME scores and specific immune cell types such as Tfh cells,CD4 memory T cells,and CD8+T cells.Elevated EVI2A expression suggests increased sensitivity to PD-1/CTLA-4 and tyrosine kinase inhibitors.In vitro assays confirmed the impact of EVI2A on KIRC behavior,with its knockdown resulting in reduced cell proliferation and migration.In conclusion,our comprehensive analysis identifies EVI2A as a promising biomarker and a novel therapeutic target for intervening in KIRC.These findings hold significant implications for further research and potential clinical applications.

Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome immunological relationship

Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS)is a complex disorder cha-racterized by symptoms resulting from intermittent hypoxia and hypopnea,with research indicating a crucial role of immune system dysregulation and genetic variations in its pathogenesis.A recent Zhao et al study utilizes Mendelian ran-domization analysis to explore the causal relationship between immune cell characteristics and OSAHS.The study identifies specific lymphocyte subsets as-sociated with OSAHS,providing valuable insights into the disease's pathophy-siology and potential targets for therapeutic intervention.The findings underscore the significance of genetic and immunological factors in sleep disorders,offering a fresh perspective on OSAHS's complexities.Compared to existing literature,Zhao et al's study stands out for its focus on genetic markers and specific immune responses associated with OSAHS,expanding upon previous research primarily centered on systemic inflammation.In conclusion,the study represents a signi-ficant advancement in the field,shedding light on the causal role of immune cells in OSAHS and paving the way for future research and targeted treatments.

Immunological factors in cirrhosis diseases from a bibliometric point of view

BACKGROUND Cirrhosis results from persistent liver injury that leads to liver fibrosis.Immunological factors play important regulatory roles in the development and progression of cirrhosis.Bibliometrics is one of the most commonly used methods for systematic evaluation of a field of study.To date,there are no bibliometric studies on the role of immunological factors in cirrhosis.AIM To provide a comprehensive overview of the knowledge structure and research hotspots of immunological factors in cirrhosis.METHODS We retrieved publications related to immunological factors in cirrhosis between 2003 to 2022 from the Web of Science Core Collection database on December 7,2022.The search strategy was TS=((Liver Cirrhosis OR hepatic cirrhosis OR liver fibrosis)AND(Immunologic*Factor*OR Immune Factor*OR Immunomodulator*OR Biological Response Modifier*OR Biomodulator*)).Only original articles and reviews were included.A total of 2873 publications were analyzed using indicators of publication and citation metrics,countries,institutes,authors,journals,references,and keywords by CiteSpace and VOSviewer.RESULTS A total of 5104 authors from 1173 institutions across 51 countries published 2873 papers on cirrhosis and immunological factors in 281 journals.In the past 20 years,the increasing number of related annual publications and citations indicates that research on immunological factors in cirrhosis has become the focus of attention and has entered a period of accelerated development.The United States(781/27.18%),China(538/18.73%),and Germany(300/10.44%)were the leading countries in this field.Most of the top 10 authors were from the United States(4)and Germany(3),with Gershwin ME contributing the most related articles(42).World Journal of Gastroenterology was the most productive journal,whereas Hepatology was the most co-cited journal.Current research hotspots regarding immunological factors in cirrhosis include fibrosis,cirrhosis,inflammation,liver fibrosis,expression,hepatocellular carcinoma,activation,primary biliary cirrhosis,disease,and hepatic stellate cells.Burst keywords(e.g.,epidemiology,gut microbiota,and pathways)represent research frontiers that have attracted the interest of researchers in recent years.CONCLUSION This bibliometric study comprehensively summarizes the research developments and directions of immunological factors in cirrhosis,providing new ideas for promoting scientific research and clinical applications.

Expression of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus ORF7 Gene and Purification and Immunological Activity Analysis of the Recombinant Protein

[Objective] The aim of this study was to realize efficient expression of the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus （PRRSV） ORF7 gene in genetic engineering bacteria and analYze the immunological activity of the recombinant protein after purification. [ Method] The constructed recombinant expression vector pET-ORF7 was transformed into Escherichia co1BL21 （DE3） and induced by IPTG under the optimal condition. After analysis of SDS-PAGE and Western Blot, the expression products were purified by Ni-NTA His · Bind Resin chrom- atographic column under denaturing condition and renatured by gradient dialysis. Subsequently, the immunological activity of the renatured recombinant protein was detected by Westem Blot and indirect ELISA. [ Result] The recombinant plasmid pET-ORF7 expressed in E. coli successfully, and the fusion protein was in the form of inclusion body. By SDS-PAGE detection, the molecular weight of the expression protein was approximate 33 kD, according with the expectation. Analysis by Bandscan software showed that the expressed fusion protein was about 50% of total bacterial protein of BL21 （DE3）. Wastem Blot and indirect ELISA detection showed that the renatured protein could react with PRRSV positive serum specifically, indicating its good immunological activity. [ Conclusion] This study lays a foundation for the preparation of PRRSV monoclonal antibody and diagnostic kit.

Effects of Compound Phellinus igniarius(L.ex Fr.)Quel. Oral Liquid's Polysaccharide on the Immunologic Function of Mice

In this paper, the effects of compound P. igniarius oral liquid’s crude polysaccharide on the immunologic function of mice were studied from four aspects, namely, carbon clearance test of mice, macrophage phagocytosis of chicken red blood cel s in the enterocoelia of mice （semi-in vivo method）, the ratio of organ to body weight, natural kil er （NK） cel activity in mice （the determination of lactate de-hydrogenase assay）. The results showed that high-dosage group（40 mL/kg） of com-pound P. igniarius oral liquid can obviously enhance the ability of carbon clearance of mice; middle-（20 mL/kg） and high-dosage groups can significantly enhance the phagocytic rate and phagocytic index of chicken erythrocyte of mouse macrophage;low-（10 mL/kg）, middle- and high-dosage groups can significantly enhance NK cel activity of mice. These showed that compound P. igniarius oral liquid can enhance mononuclear-macrophage and NK cel activity. In conclusion, compound P. igniarius oral liquid’s polysaccharide can enhance immunologic function and significantly im-prove the specific and nonspecific immunologic function.

Effects of Immunological Stress on Immune Response in Different Breeds of Piglets

[ Objective] The research aimed to explore effects of an immunological stress on immune response in different breeds of piglets （ Lulai pig, Laiwu pig and Yorkshire pig）. [Method] All the 12 weaning pigs （Lulai pig, Laiwu pig and Yorkshire pig） weighing （12.6 ±0.5） kg were used in a 2 x3 factorial design. The main factors consisted of immunological challenge （ LPS or saline） and breeds （ Lulai pig, Laiwu pig and Yorkshire pig）. On Day 1, six piglets of each breed were injected with LPS at the usage of 200 μg/kg BW or an equivalent amount of sterile saline, and in jected classical swine fever vaccine at the same time. Blood sample were collected on Day 2, 7 and 14 post injection to analyze the blood lympho cyte proliferation. The levels of antibodies against classical swine fever were tested on Day 1 prior to injection and on Day 7 and 14 post injection. [ Result] On Day 2 after injection, the lymphocyte transformation rate of piglets injected with LPS were significantly （P〈O. 01 ） increased compared with piglets injected with saline. The lymphocyte transformation rate of Laiwu piglets was significant higher than that of Yorkshire piglets （ P 〈 0.05）. Effects of immunological stress on the level of antibodies against classical swine fever were not significantly different among different breeds of pig lets. [ Conclusion] LPS can effectively stimulate cellular immunity response in different breeds of piglets, and the immune response ability is different among various breeds of piglets.

Immunological Adjuvant Function of Aluminium Phosphate and Chicken IL-18 in NDV F Gene Vaccine

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the immunological adjuvant function of aluminium phosphate and chicken IL-18 in NDV F gene vaccine. [Method] The vaccine （0.2 ml） containing aluminum phosphate adjuvant （90 μg）, pcDNA/F （200μg）, and pcDNA/chlL-18 （200 μg） was prepared. The 7 d old chick- ens to be tested were randomly divided into six groups （12 chickens in each group） and immunized through intramuscular injection with inactivated Newcastle disease vaccines, pcDNA/F＋pcDNA/chlL-18＋phosphate aluminum, pcDNA/F, pcDNA/F.＋pcDNA/ chlL-18, pcDNA/F＋aluminum phosphate, and physiological saline respectively; the secondary immunization was conducted with the same dose when the chickens were 21 d old. Their blood was sampled 0, 7, 14, 21, 28 d after first immunization. Anti- body titer was detected with ELISA and T cell transformation rate was measured with MIT. Experimental chicken will be challenged with 30 LD50 NDV virulence 28 d after first immunization. [Result] The survival rate of the chickens immunized with pcDNA/F＋aluminium phosphate＋pcDNA/chlL-18 achieved 8/12, higher than that of those immunized with pcDNA/F 4/12 and pcDNA/F＋pcDNA/chlL-18 （6/12）. The NDV antibody titer of the chickens immunized with pcDNA/F＋ aluminum phosphate, pcD- NA/F＋pcDNA/chlL-18 and pcDNA/F＋pcDNA/chlL-18＋aluminum phosphate is not differ- ent （P〉0.05）, but significantly lower than that of the chickens immunized with tradi- tional vaccine （P〈0.05）. The T cell transformation rate of the chickens immunized with pcDNA/F＋pcDNA/chlL-18＋aluminium phosphate was obviously higher than that of the chickens immunized with pcDNA/F （P〈0.05）. The T cell transformation rates of chickens immunized with pcDNA/F and the traditional vaccine showed no signifi- cant difference （P〉0.05）. [Conclusion] Combination of aluminium phosphate and pcD- NA/chlL-18 can significantly enhance the immune effect of NDV F gene vaccine.

Immunologic pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis （MS） is an autoimmune disease. The etiology and pathogenesis of MS remain unclear. At present, there are substantial evidences to support the hypothesis that genetics plays a crucial role. The people who have genetic predisposing genes easily develop immune-mediated disorder, probably in conjunction with environmental factors. The aim of this review is to describe recent observations regarding the immunologic pathogenesis of MS.

Effect of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch polysaccharide on growth performance and immunologic function in mice in Ural City,Xinjiang

Objective:To discuss the effect of Glycyrrhiza uralensis(G.uralensis) Fisch polysaccharide on growth performance and immunologic function in mice in Ural City,Xinjiang and to provide important data supporting the application of Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide.Methods:A total of100 Kunming mice aged 3 weeks old were randomly divided into 5 groups with 20 mice in each group(10 were females and 10 were males).About 0.5 mL normal saline was given to the mice of control group every day and 0.5 mL G.uralensis Fisch polysaccharide was given to the mice of other groups at the concentration of 1,20,50 and 100 mg/mL respectively.The growth performance(average body weight,average daily feed intake and feed efficiency),immune organ indexes(spleen index and thymus index) and immunologic function(serum IL-2,CD4^+/CD8^+ and the activity of NK cells) of mice in each group were detected continuously.Results:The average body weight,feed efficiency,serum IL-2,CD4^+/CD8^+ and the activity of NK cells of mice were increased with the increase of administrated time after administrating G.uralensis Fisch polysaccharide and were reached up the largest level on Day 28.At the same time,each index was proportional to the given dose and was significantly higher than those of control group and reached up the largest level at the administrated dose of 100 mg/mL.After administrating G.uralensis Fisch polysaccharide,the spleen index and thymus index of mice were increased with the increase of administrated dose and the spleen index and thymus index of mice administrated with the dose of 100 mg/mL were maximum which was more than 1.51 times and 1.43 times of that in control group respectively and the comparative differences showed statistical significance(P<0.05).The average daily feed intake of mice in each group was increased with the passage of lime and at the same time,the comparison of average daily feed intake of mice in each group was not significantly different(P>0.05).Conclusions:G.uralensis Fisch polysaccharide can significantly improve the growth performance and immunologic function of mice and laid a research basis for the clinical application of G.uralensis Fisch polysaccharide.

CXCL16 participates in pathogenesis of immunological liver injury by regulating T lymphocyte infiltration in liver tissue

AIM： To investigate the role of CXCL16 in the pathogenesis of immunological liver injury and to explore the possible mechanism ofT lymphocyte infiltration regulated by CXCL16. METHODS： Immunological liver injury in murine model was induced by Bacille Calmette-Guerin and lipopolysaccharide. Expression pattern and distribution of CXCL16 were examined by real-time quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemical analysis. Anti-CXCL16 antibody was administrated in vivo to investigate its effect on T-cell recruitment and acute hepatic necrosis. The survival of murine model was also evaluated. RESULTS, The murine immunological liver injury model was successfully established, CXCL16 expression increased and predominantly distributed in periportal areas and vascular endothelia in injured liver tissues. Administration of anti-CXCL16 Ab protected the mice from death and acute liver damage. Approximately 70% of the mice survived for 72 h in the anti-CXCL16 Ab treatment group, whereas 80% died within 72 h in control Ab group. The number of liver-infiltrating T lymphocytes was significantly reduced from 1.01×10^7 to 3.52×10^6/liver, compared with control Ab treatment. CONCLUSION： CXCL16 is involved in immunological liver injury by regulating T lymphocyte infiltration in liver tissue.

Immunological Evaluation of a Novel Mycobacterium tuberculosis Antigen Rv0674

Objective This study aimed to characterize the diagnostic and vaccine potential of a novel Mycobacterium tuberculosisantigen Rv0674. Methods To evaluate thediagnostic potential and antigenicity of Rv0674, IgG was evaluated using ELISA and interferon (IFN)-γ was done by using ELISpot assay among TB patients and healthy donors. For immunogenicity evaluation, BALB/c mice were immunized with Rv0674. Cytokine production was determined by cytokine release assay using an ELISA kit, and the antibodies were tested using ELISA. Results The results of serum Elisa tests showed that Rv0674 specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) response was higher in TB patients than negative controls. And Rv0674 had good performance in serological test with sensitivity and specificity of 77.1% and 81.1%, respectively. While it shows poor sensitivity and specificity of 26.23% and 79.69% for IFN-γ tests. In BALB/c mice, Rv0674 adjuvant by DDA/PolyI:C could also induce a high level of IFN-γ, interleukin-2 and interleukin-6 as well as a high IgG titer in both high-and low-dose groups indicating that Rv0674 is essential in humoral and cellular immunity. Moreover, the cytokine profile and IgG isotypecharacterized Rv0674 as a Th1/Th2-mixed-type protective immunity with the predominance of Th1 cytokines. Conclusion Rv0674 may be a good potential candidate for the development of TB serological diagnosis and a new TB vaccine.

Hepatitis C virus lymphotropism and peculiar immunological phenotype:Effects on natural history and antiviral therapy

Hepatitis C virus （HCV） has been recognized to be both a hepato- and lymphotropic virus. HCV lymphotropism represents an essential lap in the pathogenesis of virus-related autoimmune and lymphoproliferative disorders, ranging from clonal expansion of B-cells with organ-and non-organ-specific autoantibody production up to overt non-Hodgkin＇s lymphoma along a continuous step-by-step model of B-cell lymphomagenesis, where the intermediated mixed cryoglobulinemia could be considered as a stage of suppressible antigen-driven lymphoproliferation. HCV infection of lymphoid ceils could set up privileged reservoirs able to interfere with the host viral clearance efficiency and may be implicated in viral recurrence after apparently successful antiviral therapy. The HCV long-lasting extrahepatic replicative state generates an abnormal systemic immunological response, easily detectable by searching simple laboratory and clinical parameters, mainly represented by vasculitis-like skin features and hypocomplementemia.The presence or absence of this hypersensitivity pattern seems to correlate with the antiviral response and could be identified as a novel immunological cofactor. Further research is required to fully verify the real impact on therapeutic choice/regimen.

EFFECT OF ACUPUNCTURE AND POINT-INJECTION TREATMENT ON IMMUNOLOGIC FUNCTION IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

The results of treatment of 54 cases of rheumatoid arthritis(RA)by warm needling(WN)and point-injection(PI)with Zhuifengsu are reported.Good clinical results were observedwith an effective rate of 100%.At the same time,changes in cellular and humoral immunityand other parameters in peripheral blood were noted before and after treatment.The NK ac-tivity and IL-2 value in RA patients were found to be lower than those of normalindividuals;both increased after treatment(P【0.01).This suggests that the WN and PIwith Zhuifengsu exert a regulatory effect on the cellular immunological function.

Ocular diseases: immunological and molecular mechanisms

Many factors, such as environmental, microbial and endogenous stress, antigen localization, can trigger the immunological events that affect the ending of the diverse spectrum of ocular disorders. Significant advances in understanding of immunological and molecular mechanisms have been researched to improve the diagnosis and therapy for patients with ocular inflammatory diseases. Some kinds of ocular diseases are inadequately responsive to current medications;therefore, immunotherapy may be a potential choice as an alternative or adjunctive treatment, even in the prophylactic setting. This article first provides an overview of the immunological and molecular mechanisms concerning several typical and common ocular diseases; second, the functions of immunological roles in some of systemic autoimmunity will be discussed; third, we will provide a summary of the mechanisms that dictate immune cell trafficking to ocular local microenvironment in response to inflammation.

Perioperative restricted fluid therapy preserves immunological function in patients with colorectal cancer

AIM: To investigate the effect of perioperative restricted fluid therapy on circulating CD4+/CD8+ T lymphocyte ratio, percentage of regulatory T cells (Treg) and postoperative complications in patients with colorectal cancer.

Effects of Different Extract of Pseudostellaria Heterophylla on Immunological Function in Mice based on Meta-analysis and Network Meta-analysis

To evaluate the effects of different extract of Pseudostellaria heterophylla on immunological function in mice based on Meta-analysis and Network meta-analysis,the article retrieved domestic and foreign databases according to the"PICO"retrieval strategy,and used Stata and ADDIS software for Meta analysis.A total of 6 reports,10 randomised controlled trials(RCTs)were eventually involved.Meta analysis results showed that:compared with the control group,the experimental group of polysaccharide,saponin and crude extract were better than that of the control(P<0.05),which significantly improved the immunological function in mice.Network meta-analysis results showed that the saponin had the best effect on the increase of phagocytic index and the differences were statistically significant[MD=1.50,95%CI(0.71,2.28),P<0.05];The polysaccharide and saponin had better effect on the increase of spleen index than the control and crude extract,and the differences were statistically significant[MD=0.77,95%CI(0.27,1.31),P<0.05],[MD=0.71,95%CI(0.01,1.50),P<0.05];the polysaccharide had the best effect on the increase of thymus index and the differences were statistically significant[MD=0.70,95%CI(0.11,1.34),P<0.05].The rank probability showed that the saponin of Pseudostellaria heterophylla had the maximum probability to increase phagocytic index of mice;the probability for the components of Pseudostellaria heterophylla increasing spleen index of mice was in the order of crude extract>polysaccharide>saponin;the probability for the components of Pseudostellaria heterophylla increasing thymus index of mice was in the order of saponin>polysaccharide>crude extract.Based on the available evidence,the extract of Pseudostellaria heterophylla could improve the immunity of mice,and the clinical effect of polysaccharide and saponin was the best,which provided a more valuable scientific reference for evidencing that the polysaccharide and saponin of Pseudostellaria heterophylla was the effective components for improving immunological function,and also was conducive to the proper further development of Pseudostellaria heterophylla resources.

Immunological effect of aqueous extract of Vernonia amygdalina and a known immune booster called immunace and their admixtures on HIV/AIDS clients:a comparative study

Objective:To investigate the immunological effect of Vernonia amygdalina(V.amygdalina) leaf extract and immunace on HIV infected patients taking highly active antiretrwiral therapy. Methods:Fresh V.amygdalina leaves were collected within Nsukka area in Enugu State.The leaves were rinsed with distilled water.Two handful of cleaned fresh leaves were soaked in 200 mL water and squeezed gently by hand to a mixture.Clients were divided into four groups and each group was given different combination.They took the medication for four weeks.The immune effect was tested against marketed immune booster in some retroviral clients.Results:The mean absolute CD4 count was increased in the client who took the extract or supplement.And the clients who took both the extract and supplement had a greater increase in the CD4 count.The increased CD4 was significant as compared with the control group(P<0.05).The skin rashes were also improved in the entire groups.Conclusions:It can be concluded that the aqueous extract of V.amygdalina and immunace or both have immunological effect on HIV infected patients. Therefore,we suggest that the V.amygdalina extract or immunace or both could be used as adjuvant in the management of HIV/AIDS clients.

Immunological rejection of acellular heterogeneous nerve transplant for bridging the sciatic nerve in rats

BACKGROUND：Artificial materials composed of acellular heterogeneous nerves can resolve donor shortage problems for the repair of peripheral nerve defects.However,it remains unclear whether artificial materials can overcome immunological rejection of heterogeneous nerve grafts and obtain similar effects as allogeneic nerve grafts.OBJECTIVE：To analyze regeneration and immunological rejection of defective sciatic nerves in rats through the use of acellular heterogeneous nerve grafts.DESIGN,TIME AND SETTING：A randomized,controlled study was performed at the Department of Anatomy,China Medical University and the Experimental Center,First Affiliated Hospital,China Medical University between January and December 2008.MATERIALS：TritonX-100 （Sigma,USA） and deoxycholate （Pierce,USA） were used.METHODS：Bilateral sciatic nerves were collected from adult rabbits and treated with TritonX-100 and sodium deoxycholate to prepare acellular sciatic nerves,which were used to bridge 1 -cm defective sciatic nerves in adult rats.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES：The lymphocyte percentage in leukocytes was quantified following hemocyte staining.Neural regeneration and the recovery of motor end plates in the gastrocnemius muscle were observed under optical and electronic microscopy following toluidine blue staining,as well as acetylcholinesterase and succinate dehydrogenase histochemical staining.RESULTS：There was no significant difference in the lymphocyte percentage in leucocytes between transplanted and normal rats （P 〉 0.05）.At 3 months after surgery,the rat toes on the operated side were separated and the rats could walk.In addition,the footplates exhibited an escape response when acupunctured.A large number of regenerated nerve fibers were observed in the transplant group,and acetylcholinesterase-positive motor end plates were visible in fibers of the gastrocnemius muscle.CONCLUSION：Acellular heterogeneous nerve transplants for the repair of defective sciatic nerves in rats promote neural regeneration without significant immunological rejection.