Prostaglandin E2 in renal transplant recipients.

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), sodium, potassium and creatinine were determined in the blood and urine of 50 renal transplant recipients treated for at least one year post transplantation with cyclosporine A or azathioprine as immunosuppressive agent. Fourteen healthy subjects were used as a control group. The urinary PGE2 excretion was significantly decreased in the renal transplant recipients on azathioprine therapy while it was unchanged in the patients treated with cyclosporine A. At the same time, a significant decrease in urinary excretion of sodium and potassium was found. On the other hand, a high elevation of blood PGE2 concentration was observed while no significant changes were seen in sodium and potassium in the blood of these renal transplant recipients. It is suggested that an association exists between urinary PGE2 reduction and immunosuppressive treatments in renal transplant recipients and that PGE2 may regulate intrarenal haemodynamics and influence renal tubular electrolyte excretion. Finally, urinary PGE2 can be used as an indicator of successful renal transplantation.