What happens to renal arterial resistance during rejection of a renal transplant?

During the rejection of a renal transplant, renal arterial resistance typically increases. This is primarily due to the inflammatory response that occurs when the body recognizes the transplanted kidney as foreign. The immune system's attack on the graft leads to vascular inflammation and damage, which can result in narrowing of the renal arteries and increased resistance to blood flow.

As the rejection progresses, the vascular constriction and the damage to the endothelial lining can impair blood flow and contribute to higher resistance within the renal arteries. This response is part of the body's effort to protect itself, but it unfortunately can jeopardize the function of the transplanted kidney. Understanding the dynamics of renal arterial resistance in the context of transplant rejection is crucial for monitoring graft health and guiding appropriate treatment.