Further Studies on the Transplantation of the Kidney

Abstract

An autogenous kidney transplant maintains the life of the experimental animal for months after removal of the normal kidney. During the functioning of the autogenous kidney transplant the urinary constituents are essentially normal and the animal behaves and lives normally. Failure in such experiments is due to hydronephrosis and infection. Homogenous kidney transplants function as do the autogenous ones, but rarely for more than a period of days. Blood urea of an animal with 3 functioning kidneys, 2 normal and 1 transplanted, is markedly reduced. Location of the transplant does not materially lengthen the functional life or influence the terminal histological picture; the latter n this type of experiment is that of acute atypical glomerular nephritis followed by general acute nephritis. Infection as evidenced by cytologic changes is not a factor in these experiments so long as good drainage and function are maintained. If the transplanted kidney remains in place after anuria develops there is a tendency for it to be replaced by fibrous tissue. Failure of homogenous kidney transplants seems attributable to biologic incompatibility between donor and recipient. The value of kidney transplantation as a clinical measure is questionable at present, although under proper conditions it may merit consideration.