[Prolonged survival time of xenogeneic kidney transplants following intravenous application of concanavalin A].

Concanavalin A is used as a mitogen for the stimulation of lymphocytes in vitro. It increases the proliferation of different populations of lymphocytes and activates the function of regulator lymphocytes. This effect appears to be modified in vivo in such a way that daily IV application prolongs survival times of allogeneic and xenogeneic kidney grafts significantly. The reason seems to be an influence on behavior, which is reflected in a pronounced peripheral lymphopenia. To support and investigate this mechanism, further combinations of antilymphocyte globulin, fox red blood cells, and Concanavalin A pretreatment were used in pilot studies.