EFFECT OF PREOPERATIVE THORACIC-DUCT DRAINAGE ON CANINE KIDNEY-TRANSPLANTATION

Chronic drainage of the thoracic duct to the esophagus was developed i n dogs, and its efficacy in immunomodulation was rested using kidney t ransplantation. Compared to 9.7 days in the control, the mean animal s urvival was prolonged to 9.9 days, 17.8 days, and 18.5 days when TDD w as applied preoperatively for 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 9 weeks, respectiv ely. Prolongation was significant after 6 weeks. Patency of the fistul a was 93.5, 80.4, and 76.1% al respective weeks. Number of peripheral T-lymphocytes determined by a new monoclonal antibody diminished after 3 weeks. All animals were in normal health, requiring no special care for fluid, electrolyte, or protein replacement.