Detection of canine kidney allograft rejection with 51Cr-labeled lymphocytes.

Mongrel dogs received transplanted kidneys following total nephrectomy. The whole blood was centrifuged to separate out the lymphocytic fraction, which was tagged with 51Cr. Renal accumulation of 51Cr was followed using imaging detectors. All allograft rejections were accompanied by a simultaneous rise in the count rate. Labeled lymphocytes can be used to detect canine renal rejection, and the authors feel that this technique can be applied to man.