RESUMO
The leukocyte aggregation test (LAT) detects the in vitro adhesion of sensitized, but not nonimmune, recipient leukocytes onto donor kidney cell monolayers. The test specifically detects cell-mediated homograft immunity up to 15 days prior to the appearance of clinical signs or alteration of chemical indexes. The presence of a positive reaction always signified incipient homograft rejection, which was usually controlled by intravenously administered, high-dose methylprednisolone sodium succinate (Solu-Medrol) therapy. There was no instance in which methyl-prednisolone treatment effectively reversed rejection in the presence of a negative leukocyte aggregation test. One common form of homograft rejection may be characterized by positive LAT results, a cellular infiltrate on the renal biopsy specimen, and sensitivity to methylprednisolone therapy.