Effects of pulsatile perfusion on the immunogenicity of renal allografts.

The results in 190 consecutive perfused cadaver renal transplants failed to show a detrimental effect of long-term perfusion. In a controlled study in mongrel dogs, those receiving transplants preserved by pulsatile perfusion for 24 or 48 hr had equal or better survival than those receiving grafts preserved by cold storage or unpreserved grafts. In addition, kidneys preserved for 24 hr by perfusion showed functional abnormalities similar to those preserved as long by cold storage and those transplanted as fresh grafts. It can be concluded that pulsatile perfusion as a means of preservation does not adversely affect long-term function and does not increase the effective immunogenicity of renal allografts.