Ligandin in perfusates from transplanted kidneys: a test for tubular necrosis.

Ligandin, an intracellular organic anion-binding protein, having glutathione-S-transferase activity, was detected in concentrated perfusing solutions from 8 of 13 kidneys preserved for homotransplantation. The presence of ligandin in the perfusate correlated well with oliguric acute renal failure following transplantation. Testing the perfusate for ligandin may be useful in predicting tubular damage in renal transplants.