Use of antilymphocyte globulin after cadaveric renal transplantation.

Antilymphocyte globulin (A.L.G.) was prepared by injecting fresh frozen splenic cells subcutaneously into horses. The IgG fraction of the serum was concentrated by a batch technique using diethylaminoethanol-Sephadex. Fourteen patients given this material by intramuscular injection after cadaveric renal transplants, in addition to azathioprine and prednisone, had less evidence of rejection compared with patients previously treated with azathioprine and prednisone only, despite a reduction of the mean daily prednisone dose from 65 to 45 mg. Toxicity, especially local reaction, fever, and hypotension, limited the amount of A.L.G. that was given.