The effect of blood transfusion and immunosuppression on organ graft survival : a study in dogs and rats

Since the first preliminary report by Opelz et al. (1973a) on the beneficial effect of blood transfusions, it has gradually become evident that blood transfusions do have such an effect on renal allograft survival. Nevertheless, some physicians are still reluctant to adopt a deliberate blood transfusion regimen for fear of sensitization. The development of cytotoxic antibodies may delay transplantation for an indefinite time for some patients. This possible danger of sensitization initially gave rise to the policy of avoiding blood transfusions in kidney transplant recipients and it took many years of study, experimentation and discussion before the present situation of general acceptance was establis