[Immunologic characterization of the rejection of the allogenic transplanted kidney in pigs with and without immunosuppression].

After allogenic renal transplantation in pigs kinetics of the immunological reactivity have been investigated in order to diagnose rejection crisis. In a first series of 26 transplants without any immunosuppression we secured the diagnosis of rejection in 95% of cases of acute or chronic rejection by a combination of antigen-specific rosette test, inhibition of this parameter by autologous serum, complement dependent cytotoxicity and antibody dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. The antigen-specific rosette test reacts very early, 2-3 days before a bad clinical feeling in the course of acute rejection or 5-14 days by chronic rejection. Under the therapy with prednisolone and azathioprine we could not reach any prolongation of survival by arbitrary donor-recipient-selection. Under immunosuppression antibodies have never been observed by acute rejection in CDC and ADCC. In every case of acute rejection an increasing rosette formation of specific antigen binding cells appeared 2-3 days before an increasing of serum creatinine. In the case of other complications like infection or thrombosis this test is not reacting. However, by thrombosis of arteria or vena renalis there can be an increased specific rosette formation either independent of this process by beginning of immune reaction or by causal connection of both processes (necrotizing thrombotic rejection). So we have given the evidence, that the antigen-specific rosette test on a high level meets all requirements of a specific diagnosis of rejection under immunosuppression in pig.