OBSERVATIONS ON THE FUNCTION OF A TRANSPLANTED KIDNEY

Abstract

Several aspects of the function of a transplanted kidney are recorded. The transplanted kidney functioned well during the first 24 hours after implantation. During this time osmotic diuresis occurred, with concomitant excretion of sodium and chloride, in the presence of an antidiuretic stimulus.There was a delayed decrease in function of the transplanted kidney, occurring during the second and third days after the operation, followed by subsequent gradual improvement.The return of azotemia during the fourth week after operation was due to a high dietary nitrogen intake and, probably, a continuing low rate of protein anabolism. The azotemia caused osmotic diuresis with increased urine volume, sodium and chloride excretion, and rapid loss of weight.It is believed that the secondary hyperparathyroidism of chronic uremia was detected by the renal handling of phosphate by the transplanted kidney.Data relating to the diurnal rhythm of electrolyte excretion are presented.