THE EFFECTS OF CYCLOSPORINE IN LEWIS RATS WITH NATIVE AND TRANSPLANTED KIDNEYS

Several previous observations are consistent with the hypothesis that transplanted kidneys, because they are denervated, are protected from CsA-induced decreases in blood flow and glomerular filtration rate. The present experiments were designed to test this hypothesis, by using isogeneic Lewis rats as kidney donors and recipients. The recipients were unilaterally nephrectomized, such that each had one native and one transplanted kidney. Two to four weeks later, the inulin and PAH clearances of the two kidneys were measured and compared. CsA (10 mg kg-1 day-1) decreased inulin and PAH clearances, without affecting the PAH extraction. Thus, CsA decreased GFR and renal plasma flow. However, the decreases were not significantly different in native versus transplanted kidneys. Therefore, transplanted kidneys, at least in Lewis rats, are not protected from the adverse effects of CsA on renal hemodynamics.