Which of the following is/are true regarding renal transplantation except:
**Question:** Which of the following is/are true regarding renal transplantation except:
A. Renal transplantation is a surgical procedure to replace a diseased or failing kidney with a healthy kidney from a donor.
B. Immunosuppressive drugs are used to prevent the body from rejecting the transplanted kidney.
C. Cyclosporine is an effective immunosuppressive drug that targets T-cells and interferes with interleukin-2 production.
D. The ureter is the only component of the renal unit that is transplanted, with the kidney being an autograft.
**Correct Answer:** D. The ureter is the only component of the renal unit that is transplanted, with the kidney being an autograft.
**Core Concept:** Renal transplantation is a surgical procedure to replace a diseased or failing kidney with a healthy kidney from a donor. The process involves the transplantation of the entire renal unit, which includes the kidney and the ureter, to ensure proper drainage of urine from the transplanted organ.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** The correct answer, D, highlights the misconception that only the ureter is transplanted during renal transplantation, with the kidney being an autograft (transplantation from a person's own body). In reality, the entire renal unit consisting of the kidney and ureter is transplanted to ensure proper functioning of the transplanted organ.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. Renal transplantation involves the transplantation of the entire renal unit, which includes the kidney, ureter, and sometimes the surrounding fat (renal pedicle) and peritoneum (if autograft) to ensure proper drainage and blood supply to the transplanted organ.
B. Immunosuppressive drugs are essential in renal transplantation to prevent the body from rejecting the transplanted kidney, as these drugs suppress the patient's immune response to prevent harm to the transplanted organ.
C. Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressive drug that targets T-cells, a type of immune cells, and interferes with interleukin-2 production, thereby preventing the body from rejecting the transplanted organ. This option highlights the role of immunosuppressive drugs in renal transplantation.
**Clinical Pearl:** Renal transplantation is a valuable treatment option for patients with end-stage renal disease. The success of the procedure relies on immunosuppressive therapy to prevent the body's immune system from rejecting the transplanted kidney.