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Cimetidine for kidney transplantation: experimental observations.
Surgery
|October 1, 1979
Summary
Cimetidine, a H2-histamine receptor antagonist, accelerated kidney transplant rejection in dogs. This suggests caution when using cimetidine in transplant patients due to potential adverse immunological effects.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Transplantation
Background:
- H2-histamine receptor antagonists may influence delayed hypersensitivity responses.
- The impact of cimetidine on renal allograft survival was previously unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of cimetidine on renal allograft survival in dogs.
- To assess potential direct toxic effects of cimetidine on normal kidneys.
Main Methods:
- Renal transplantation was performed in dogs with moderate immunosuppression (azathioprine and prednisone).
- Experimental group received cimetidine (300/150 mg, twice daily); control group received standard immunosuppression.
- Gastric acid secretion, serum creatinine, and blood counts were monitored.
Main Results:
- Dogs receiving cimetidine experienced earlier transplant rejection (mean survival 20.4 days) compared to controls (mean survival 37.8 days).
- Cimetidine effectively suppressed gastric acid secretion.
- No direct toxic effects on normal kidneys were observed.
Conclusions:
- Cimetidine administration was associated with increased rejection episodes and decreased survival in canine renal allografts.
- The use of cimetidine in transplant patients may not be safe without further understanding of its immunological mechanisms.