Cyclosporine-Induced Nephrotoxicity

Abstract

Cyclosporine is a unique immunosuppressive agent that inhibits activation of both B and T lymphocytes as well as certain macrophage functions; however, the predominant effect of the drug appears to reside in its interference with the release of interleukin-2, which stimulates antigen-activated helper and cytotoxic T cells to commence DNA synthesis.¹ On the other hand, the drug does not grossly interfere with the activation of antigen-specific suppressor T cells in vivo² or in vitro.³ Despite the remarkable effectiveness of cyclosporine in experimental models and in the clinic, as well as the absence of potent myelosuppressive effects, cyclosporine-induced nephrotoxicity remains a . . .