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At least 325 records · Page 18Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Selectivity of the molecular chaperone-specific immunosuppressive agent 15-deoxyspergualin: modulation of Hsc70 ATPase activity without compromising DnaJ chaperone interactions.

The immunosuppressive and cytostatic agent 15-deoxyspergualin (DSG) binds to the Hsc70 class of molecular chaperones with a K(D) = 4 microM. Because Hsc70s represent a diverse group of cellular effectors and because Hsc70 function frequently requires a DnaJ molecular chaperone, the specificity of DSG for different Hsc70s and the ability of DSG to block the productive interaction between an Hsc70 and its DnaJ partner were examined. DSG stimulated the ATPase activity of a mammalian and yeast cytosolic Hsc70 from 20 to 40%, but was unable to elicit such a response in a homologous Hsc70, Binding Protein (BiP), that resides in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum. In addition, the DnaJ-stimulated Hsc70 ATPase activity and the DnaJ-mediated release of an unfolded polypeptide from an Hsc70 were unaffected by DSG. These results indicate that Hsc70s exhibit substrate selectivity for DSG and that DSG does not compromise Hsc70 functions that require DnaJs. Thus, the immunosuppressive and cytostatic effects of DSG may be specific for a subset of cellular Hsc70s and confined to DnaJ-independent Hsc70-mediated activities.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Investigation of the potential use of immunosuppressive agent gliotoxin in organ transplantation.

Gliotoxin is an immunosuppressive secondary metabolite produced by several pathogenic fungi. It has previously been shown to prevent graft-versus-host disease in transplantation of allogeneic mouse bone marrow and to reduce the immunogenicity of human fetal pancreas. We here report on the effect of gliotoxin on the prevention of rejection of allografts in two distinct models. Bathing mouse thyroid tissue in gliotoxin solution for 16 hr prolonged graft survival following transplantation into allogeneic recipients. In contrast the perfusion of rat kidneys with gliotoxin followed by 1 hr of incubation before orthotopic transplantation had little success with preventing allograft rejection. This disparity is most likely due to the incubation in the renal model not allowing sufficient time for the elimination of antigen presenting cells in the donor organ. However, the success with the thyroid grafts demonstrates the potential of gliotoxin as an immunomodulating agent in organ transplantation and warrants further investigation in other systems.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Endoscopic findings in transplanted allo-intestine of rats after discontinuance of immunosuppressive agent.

In clinical practice, graft rejection in small-bowel transplantation should be diagnosed before irreversible condition of the graft. We have already reported the usefulness of endoscopic examination for the early detection of acute rejection in a rat model. Here we evaluated rejection after discontinuance of methyl-deoxyspergualin by endoscopy. Heterotopic small-bowel transplantation was performed by the cuff method from a DA to a LEW rat. Endoscopic and histological examinations were performed through the stomas. Two-week administration of methyl-deoxyspergualin significantly prolonged graft survival. Graft rejection after discontinuance of the agent occurred much more slowly than rejection without the immunosuppressive drug. Erosive mucosal changes were endoscopically observed in the early phase of rejection in rats that did not receive the immunosuppressant. However, endoscopic findings after discontinuance of methyl-deoxyspergualin indicated edematous changes and thickening of the wall without erosion, and, histologically, the grafted intestine showed slowly-progressing rejection with flattened villi. If we pay attention to edematous changes and hardening of intestinal wall, and take selective biopsies, endoscopic examination may improve the early diagnosis of slowly progressive rejection in the clinical setting.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

[Mycophenolate mofetil--a new immunosuppressive agent].

Mycophenolate mofetil is a prodrug that is rapidly converted to the active immunosuppressant mycophenolic acid. This substance inhibits the enzyme inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase, leading to a depletion of (deoxy-)guanosine nucleotides and thereby a reduction of de novo purine synthesis. Lymphocytes are relatively dependent on this pathway, particularly for RNA and DNA synthesis, and are thereby more susceptible to the antiproliferative effects of mycophenolate. In three randomised, double-blind, multicentre trials, lower rejection rates have been demonstrated in renal allograft recipients during the first months after transplantation. Side effects were more frequent in the mycophenolate mofetil groups. The most important adverse reactions to mycophenolate mofetil are leucopenia, gastrointestinal effects and the increased risk of infections and malignancies associated with immunosuppression in general. At 12 months, graft survival was similar in all groups. The future role of mycophenolate mofetil in immunosuppressive therapy during transplantation has not yet been established. As a start it may be found to have specific use in subgroups of allograft recipients at high risk of rejection.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Proinflammatory effects in experimental mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis of the immunosuppressive agent SDZ RAD, a rapamycin derivative.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The new immunosuppressant SDZ RAD, a rapamycin derivative, inhibits growth factor driven cell proliferation. SDZ RAD designed for transplantation may also be a candidate agent to treat inflammatory kidney diseases. Therefore, we investigated the effects of SDZ RAD in two different animal models of glomerulonephritis, in anti- Thy1.1 nephritis and in acute puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN) nephrosis. METHODS: Eighty-seven male Wistar rats were investigated. Anti-Thy1.1 nephritis: healthy rats (n = 9), SDZ RAD-treated healthy rats (n = 6), nephritic rats (n = 9), SDZ RAD placebo treated nephritic rats (n = 6), SDZ RAD-pretreated nephritic rats (n = 9), and early (n = 6) as well as delayed (n = 6) SDZ RAD-posttreated nephritic rats. PAN nephrosis: healthy rats (n = 6), SDZ RAD-treated healthy rats (n = 6), nephritic rats (n = 12), and SDZ RAD-pretreated nephritic rats (n = 12). In a separate study, 12 male Sprague-Dawley rats were analyzed in anti-Thy1.1 nephritis: healthy rats (n = 3), nephritic rats (n = 3) and pretreated nephritic rats (n = 6). SDZ RAD and SDZ RAD placebo were given at single doses of 2.5 mg/kg body weight per day by gavage. The experiments lasted until days +2 and +9 after induction of anti-Thy1. 1 nephritis and until day +13 in the case of PAN nephrosis. RESULTS: In anti-Thy1.1 nephritis, SDZ RAD demonstrated marked proinflammatory effects in a time-dependent manner, as reflected by severe focal damage to glomerular histology including inhibition of mesangial cell proliferation, reduction of creatinine clearance, and increase in plasma creatinine levels as well as proteinuria. Almost identical results were obtained in both rat strains. In contrary, SDZ RAD ameliorated significantly the development of PAN nephrosis. Animals pretreated by this agent showed a significant reduction of proteinuria and of glomerular invasion of monocytes/macrophages. CONCLUSION: Some caution is warranted for the use of SDZ RAD in inflammatory glomerular diseases, since it accentuated glomerular damage induced by anti-Thy1.1 antibodies.

Animals↗