Immunologic Studies in Cimetidine-Induced Nephropathy and Polymyositis

Abstract

CIMETIDINE is a histamine H₂-receptor antagonist that is among the most widely prescribed drugs in the United States. In addition to its inhibitory action on gastric acid secretion, a possible role as an immunomodulator has been suggested.^{1 , 2} Isolated reports have also suggested an occasional association between cimetidine administration and polymyositis³ or interstitial nephritis,^{4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11} both of which appear to represent disorders of immunoregulation.^{12 13 14} We report on a patient in whom polymyositis and acute interstitial nephritis followed the institution of cimetidine therapy. Using monoclonal antibodies, we found a marked increase in the proportion of cytotoxic/suppressor T lymphocytes in the peripheral . . .