Prostacyclin prevents hyperacute xenogenous rejection of the kidney.

The rabbit kidney, perfused under a constant pressure from the canine femoral artery is rejected (i.e. blood flow arrests) within several minutes. It cannot be prevented by intraarterial infusion of strong vasodilatators, such as verapamil and prostaglandin E2. Prostacyclin PGI2 infusion is capable of maintaining a sufficient blood flow and urine production in the rabbit kidney as long as the infusion continues. Once the infusion is interrupted, signs of hyperacute rejection immediately appear. PGI2 or its analogue with a prolonged halflife seem promisive in the treatment of the transplanted kidney rejection.