Abstract
FTY720 is a recently discovered compound that is derived from the fungus Isaria sinclairii. Using a DA donor-to-LEW recipient rat combination, we assessed the efficacy of peritransplant FTY720 alone or in combination with post-transplant tacrolimus on the survival of cardiac allografts. Peritransplant FTY720 given orally at a dose of 5 mg/kg on days –1 and 0 prolonged graft survival from 5 to 13 days (P < 0.05). Combining peritransplant FTY720 with post-transplant tacrolimus resulted in a further prolongation of allograft survival. The lymphocyte count in transplanted rats decreased within 24 h to 46.6 %. Analysis of lymphocyte subsets by FACS revealed that FTY720 affected the total population of CD3-bearing T cells while the ratio of CD4 to CD8 cells remained unchanged. Kidney and liver biochemistry remained elevated for 2 weeks. In conclusion, FTY720 is a powerful immunosuppressive agent when used as induction therapy and may have an additive effect – perhaps a synergistic one – with post-transplant tacrolimus.
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Received: 27 October 1997 Received after revision: 23 March 1998 Accepted: 15 April 1998
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Xu, M., Pirenne, J., Antoniou, E. et al. Effect of peritransplant FTY720 alone or in combination with post-transplant tacrolimus in a rat model of cardiac allotransplantation. Transpl Int 11, 288–294 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/s001470050144
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s001470050144