Anti-HLA-A, B, C and DR antibodies in renal transplant recipients

Anti-HLA-A, B, C and DR antibodies in 173 sera derived form renal transplant recipients were examined, using the cytotoxicity techniques standardized at the 8th International Histocompatibility Workshop. About 50% of sera obtained within 6 months of transplantation showed anti-HLA-DR antibodies. Thereafter, serum anti-DR antibodies were found in about 30% of the examined sera. However, at more than 3 years after transplantation, the reappearance of anti-DR antibodies was noted in more than 60% of the examined sera. Anti-HLA-A, B and C antibodies were not found except in the sera from recipients with irreversible rejection. The post-transplant production of anti-DR antibodies against incompatible donor HLA-DR antigens was confirmed in sera derived repeatedly from the same patients.

Application of Duhamel's operation for the surgical treatment of rectal cancer

Several sphincter-preserving procedures for surgical removal of cancer at the upper or middle part of the rectum often cause disturbances of the ano-rectal and bladder functions. To preserve these functions it is important to minimize the damage to the anal sphincter as well as to the pervic nerves and to preserve the rectal mucous membrane as much as possible. Duhamel's procedure was employed with very satisfactory results.