The effect of donor pretreatment on tubular function of the preserved canine allograft

Abstract

Donor pretreatment (PT) with cytolytic drugs has been shown to have an additive effect with low-dose immunosuppression (LDI) in allograft prolongation¹ but may lead to serious tubular damage in the 24 h preserved kidney. Thirty-one nephrectomized male mongrel dogs received renal transplants and were divided into five groups. Group 1 received an autograft preserved 24 h by perfusion with pooled autologous plasma. Groups 2, 3 and 4 received renal allografts pretreated with cyclophosphamide (CY) 50mg/kg and methylprednisolone (MP) 50mg/kg 14h before. Group 2 kidneys were transplanted directly into LDI recipients that received azathioprine 2mg/kg and MP 2mg/kg daily. Group 3 kidneys were cold stored in Collins’ solution whereas Group 4 were perfused for 24 h before allotransplantation to LDI hosts. Group 6 kidneys were pretreated by perfusion with autologous plasma containing 1.0g MP/800 ml for 24 h before implanting into LDI dogs. Animals were followed with daily serum creatinine and were considered to have rejected when the creatinine rose above 3mg/dl. The results are tabulated in Table 41.1.