Measurement of reactive oxygen species production and antioxidant system status before and directly after reperfusion of the transplanted kidney and influence of oxidant stress on kidney function in 2 and 6 weeks.

Oxidative stress is one of the most important factors in ischaemia-reperfusion injury to the transplanted organ. In kidney transplant recipients following factors were measured: glutathione level, activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and superoxide anion production by granulocytes in whole blood without and after the stimulation with zymosan.

Blood was sampled from peripheral vein (before reperfusion) and directly from renal vein (5 and 15 minutes after reperfusion).

Transplanted kidney function was evaluated by the incidence and length of Delayed Graft Function and serum creatinine level in 2 and 6 weeks after transplantation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• consecutive patients accepted for and undergoing cadaveric kidney transplantation

Exclusion Criteria:

• no informed consent