Immunosuppression with cyclosporine. A new approach to improve patency of venous allografts
K. O. Bandlien, L. H. Toledo-Pereyra, G. H. MacKenzie, S. P. Choudhury and J. A. Cortez
In cases in which an autogenous vein is not available, the venous allograft
still represents an interesting alternative; however, early occlusion of
the allograft is the rule. Forty-five mongrel dogs received jugular
allografts transplanted into the carotid artery. Group 1 (n = 6) received
no immunosuppression; group 2 (n = 5) received systemic azathioprine (2.5
mg/kg/day). In group 3 (n = 10) the grafts were pretreated with
cyclosporine at 4 degrees C, and in group 4 (n = 9) the grafts were
cryopreserved in a solution of 15% dimethyl sulfoxide and cyclosporine (50
mg/L) at -196 degrees C prior to implantation. Groups 3 and 4 received
azathioprine as in group 2. Group 5 received cyclosporine systemically (15
to 20 mg/kg/day). Patency rates at one month (groups 1 and 2, 0%; group 3,
57.1%; groups 4 and 5, 100%) indicate that cyclosporine improves venous
allograft survival both when used systemically and as a graft pretreatment
modality.
