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Physiological aspects of pig-to-primate renal xenotransplantation
1Nuffield Department of Surgery, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University, Oxford, England, United Kingdom.
Background:
Few data exist on the physiological aspects of pig-to-primate renal xenotransplantation.
Methods:
Use of organs transgenic for human decay accelerating factor has allowed assessment of the metabolic and hormonal functions of these xenografts.
Results:
Porcine renal xenografts largely maintain plasma electrolyte homeostasis. An increase in proteinuria was detected that may result from graft injury. In contrast to allotransplantation a severe anaemia developed requiring recipient treatment with exogenous human erythropoietin.
Conclusions:
Our experience provides qualified encouragement for the likely physiological compatibility of pig and primate species, but identifies areas where a xenograft may not match the performance of an allograft.