ELECTROLYTE EQUILIBRATION OF HUMAN KIDNEYS DURING PERFUSION WITH HTK-SOLUTION ACCORDING TO BRETSCHNEIDER

Twelve surgically removed human kidneys (mainly tumor kidneys) were in vestigated. The investigations comprised perfusion criteria (perfusion flow, perfusion pressure, perfusion resistance, electrolyte equilibra tion). During perfusion of the kidneys with HTK solution, the perfusio n resistance was nearly three times as high in human kidneys as in can ine kidneys perfused under the same conditions in previous studies. Be side possible species differences the raised perfusion resistance may be explained by the greater trauma to the human kidneys due to the sur gery, the primary ischemic stress which cannot be avoided clinically a nd the often nonoptimal initial diuresis. Nevertheless definitive perf usion is possible under clinical conditions although pronounced increa ses of perfusion resistance may occur. As indicated by the raised perf usion resistance of human kidneys under clinical conditions as compare d with canine kidneys in an experimental model, electrolyte equilibrat ion of human kidneys was protracted. For this reason, a duration of pe rfusion of at least 10 min is necessary in clinical application of HTK solution, i.e., longer than in animal experiments.