Suprarenal transplantation

Abstract

The attempt was made to obtain physiologically functionating transplants in dogs. The left gland was entirely removed, and the whole or part of it transplanted into another tissue. After an interval (5 to 80 days) the other gland was removed. No animal died after the first operation, and the immediate reaction of all was good to both. One animal lived 12 hours after the second operation; 2 lived 15 hours; 2 lived 16; 4 lived 18; 1 lived 19; 2 lived 20; 1 lived 24; 1 lived 94; 1 lived 95 hours. Thirteen, therefore, died in less than 24 hours, and two lived approximately 4 days.

Microscopic examination of the transplants showed early acquisition of blood supply. Apparently living cortical cells were present as late as 34 days after transplantation. Apparently living medullary cells were found in one case, a graft 5 days old. After 34 days no suprarenal cells could be demonstrated, the graft being completely destroyed, and partly or entirely replaced by connective tissue, phagocytic cells and a little pigment. The graft seemed to live longest in the kidney, and to be absorbed most rapidly in muscle.