The excretion of urinary N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase and beta-glucuronidase as a sign of impending rejection of kidney transplants.

An evaluation was made of the assay of two urinary lysosomal enzymes, N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase and beta-glucuronidase, in the diagnosis of impending rejection of renal transplant. The output of enzymes was measured in 34 cadaver transplant recipients, 17 of whom underwent rejection episodes. The enzyme output during the 4 days preceding the definitive diagnosis was compared with the output during a non-rejection period. The mean excretion of both enzymes increased during the period before rejection. The best distinction for diagnostic purposes was obtained by comparing the pre-rejection values with baseline values separately in each case.