Perioperative single high dose ATG-Fresenius S administration as induction immunosuppressive therapy in cadaveric renal transplantation--preliminary results.

Monoclonal and polyclonal antilymphocyte antibodies have been used successfully in organ transplantation as induction therapy and in the treatment of acute graft rejection. Used for induction the medication is generally given for the first 7-10 days. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of single high dose (9 mg/kg) ATG Fresenius S given perioperatively, before revascularization, to kidney allograft recipients. During last twelve months seventy six, first cadaveric kidney adult recipients were included into the study in two centers (center A-64, center B-12). All patients received triple drug immunosuppression (Neoral, steroids and Cellcept which was replaced by azathioprine after 4 months), and were randomized to receive ATG or not. The follow-up period ranged from 1 month up to 1 year. The preliminary results are very promising, the rejection rate in bolus group was significantly lower than in control. No significant side effects or serious adverse events in both groups were observed.

The effect of calf thymus extract (TFX) on human and mouse hemopoiesis.

The in vitro and in vivo effects of calf thymus extract (TFX) on mouse and human hemopoiesis were studied. TFX enhanced the growth of mouse T- and B-lymphocyte colonies when given in vitro and in vivo; in humans it increased the low colony formation typical for some blood donors failing to act on lymphocytes of high responders. TFX markedly stimulated colony-stimulating factor (CSF) production by human leukocytes presumably influencing the interactions between monocytes and lymphocytes. Although TFX did not affect the proliferation and differentiation of myeloid progenitors of bone marrow and peripheral blood, it strongly stimulated myelopoiesis in mouse and human spleen.