[The effect of the complement system on the acute reversible rejection of kidney transplants]

Although the involvement of complement in hyperacute renal allograft rejection is well established, its possible implication in acute reversible and chronic graft rejection remains uncertain. In recent clinical studies with a total of 83 patients undergoing renal transplantation, plasma levels of complement activation products were elevated 4-7 days before clinical diagnosis of graft rejection. Immunohistochemical analysis of biopsies revealed local complement activation with glomerular deposition of the terminal C5b-9 complex within 1 h after organ reperfusion. Increasing levels of complement activation products, preceding the clinical manifestation of renal graft rejections may be of diagnostic value in recognizing patients at risk.