BABOON RENAL GRAFTS.

Abstract

IN OCTOBER, 1960, experiments were begun testing the usefulness of the large Kenya baboon for renal grafting. Previously reported studies1,2had indicated a physiological closeness of the Kenya baboon (Papio doguera) to man which was unusual in the animal world. Atherosclerosis had been shown to occur naturally in about 5% to 10% of older baboons,3and electrophoretic tracings of baboon sera made in our own laboratories could be superimposed on similar tracings of human sera. The initial studies with baboon kidney autografts and homografts were promising, and on Feb 16, 1963, the right kidney of a male baboon was implanted into the left thigh of an Indian woman suffering from terminal uremia secondary to severe pyelonephritis. The kidney functioned well for 41/2 days and served to dialyze the patient to near normal blood chemistry levels. Report of a Case A 65-year-old Indian woman (hospital No. A-18785) had