PROLONGATION OF LIFE IN FEMALE NZB NZW (F1) HYBRID MICE BY CYCLOSPORIN-A

  • 1 January 1985
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 59  (1) , 1-9
Abstract
Oral administration of cyclosporin A (Cy A), an immunosuppressive agent, prolonged the life span of female NZB/NZW (F1) hybrid mice (NZB/W). The most prominent feature was the reduction of glomerular proliferation, proteinurea and delay of renal failure. Protection from renal damage in treated mice occurred despite similar degrees of perivascular cellular infiltration in the kidney and other organs, and glomerular deposition of Ig and complement. Treatment did not influence the hypergammaglobulinemia, high levels of circulating immune complexes and later development of autoimmune hemolytic anemia typically associated with this murine disease. The levels of antibodies to double stranded DNA (dsDNA), an important disease marker, and the response to sheep red blood cells were reduced in the Cy A treated mice, in contrast with the untreated mice. Levels of rheumatoid factors were increased in Cy A treated mice, when compared with untreated mice; this could play a role in prolongation of life associated with protection from glomerular damage, although it was considered that inhibitory effects on T cell function were a more likely mechanism.