The patterns of peripheral plasma renin concentration in the early post-renal-transplant period

Serial determinations of peripheral plasma renin concentration (PRC) were performed in 11 kidney transplant recipients during the early post-transplant period. In 5 recipients with late onset of graft function, PRC values were increased during the anuric phase and, subsequently, PRC values declined in every during restoration of graft function. In 4 recipients with an acute renal allograft reaction, PRC values were increased at the onset of the allograft reaction in 3 with hypertension whereas PRC values were normal in one normotensive recipient. Subsequently, PRC normalized in the hypertensives coincident with increasing body weights. In 2 recipients with an uncomplicated course and with a normal graft function immediately after transplantation and throughout the study period, PRC values were constantly normal. The results indicate that acute anuria in the early phase after kidney transplantation is associated with an increased release of renin. The results also suggest that an increased activity of the renin-angiotensin system may be counterbalanced by sodium and fluid retention in hypertension following an acute renal allograft reaction.