[Effect of high-dosage prednisolone administration on interstitial transplantation edema following allogeneic kidney transplantation in rats].

To measure subcapsular pressure of rat kidneys and kidney allografts, microcatheters were implanted in the subcapsular space and the pressure was continuously recorded with a transducer. Subcapsular pressure was found to increase significantly during allograft rejection. After single bolus injection of prednisolone 300 mg/kg on the day of transplantation or on the fourth postoperative day, considerably lower subcapsular pressures were recorded. This steroid effect together with other immunosuppressive measures could have an important influence on graft function and prognosis.