The influence of protein concentration of the perfusate on weight gain and kidney transplant outcome.

We have described a technique to compare parameters of perfusion using canine kidneys. Using this system, we observed that weight gain during pulsatile perfusion varied inversely with perfusate albumin concentration. The weight gain was more rapid with albumin concentration below 4.0 Gm%. Perfusion characteristics deteriorated in association with early rapid weight gain, indicating greater ischemic damage to the kidneys perfused with the low protein perfusate. Finally, the protein concentration of cryoprecipitated plasms is low enough to cause a rapid increase in kidney weight, a condition predisposing to poor function upon re-implantation of the kidney.