Physiological aspects of pig-to-primate renal xenotransplantation.
BACKGROUND
Few data exist on the physiological aspects of pig-to-primate renal xenotransplantation.


METHODS
Use of organs transgenic for human decay accelerating factor has allowed assessment of the metabolic and hormonal functions of these xenografts.


RESULTS
Porcine renal xenografts largely maintain plasma electrolyte homeostasis. An increase in proteinuria was detected that may result from graft injury. In contrast to allotransplantation a severe anaemia developed requiring recipient treatment with exogenous human erythropoietin.


CONCLUSIONS
Our experience provides qualified encouragement for the likely physiological compatibility of pig and primate species, but identifies areas where a xenograft may not match the performance of an allograft.
Soin
B
B
Nuffield Department of Surgery, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University, Oxford, England, United Kingdom.
Smith
K G
KG
Zaidi
A
A
Cozzi
E
E
Bradley
J R
JR
Ostlie
D J
DJ
Lockhart
A
A
White
D J
DJ
Friend
P J
PJ
D000740:Anemia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D000818:Animals; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000097:blood / Q000652:urine; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects; D008252:Macaca fascicularis; D011507:Proteinuria / Q000209:etiology / Q000652:urine; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013552:Swine; D014183:Transplantation, Heterologous
D004573:Electrolytes; D006454:Hemoglobins; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004921:Erythropoietin