RENAL TRANSPLANTATION IN RABBITS

Abstract

The histological changes in 57 renal allografts from rabbits presensitized by multiple skin grafts have been studied semiquantitatively. No histological changes, except oedema, were observed in 11 allografts removed within 6 hours after transplantation because of clinical rejection. Eleven allografts removed 1–5 days after transplantation showed the pattern of hyperacute rejection: extensive glomerular microthrombosis and cortical necrosis. Circulating cytotoxic antibodies against donor leucocytes did not always induce hyperacute rejection, but they were found in all the cases of hyperacute rejection tested for their presence. The most conspicous difference between the allograft reaction in sensitized and in non‐sensitized recipients was the early appearance and the increased frequency of exudative glomerulitis and glomerular microthrombosis. In addition proliferation of the endothelial cells of the glomeruli and vessels and vasculitis were more frequent in sensitized rabbits. The results indicate that presensitization accelerates allograft rejection in rabbits and suggest that this process, which in several cases was morphologically similar to human hyperacute allograft reaction, is to some extent related to circulating antibodies.