Open AccessLow‐dose immunosuppression in a rat hind‐limb transplantation model
Author(s) -
PerezAbadia Gustavo,
LaurentinPerez Luis,
Gorantla Vijay S.,
Francois Cedric G.,
Vossen Marieke,
Brouha Pascal C.R.,
Orhun Haldun I.,
Anderson Gary L.,
Maldonado Claudio,
Pidwell Diane J.,
Breidenbach Warren C.,
Barker John H.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
transplant international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.998
H-Index - 82
eISSN - 1432-2277
pISSN - 0934-0874
DOI - 10.1111/j.1432-2277.2003.tb00251.x
Subject(s) - tacrolimus , medicine , immunosuppression , hindlimb , regimen , mycophenolate , toxicity , transplantation , urology , calcineurin , surgery , pharmacology , gastroenterology
Composite tissue allografts (CTAs) offer an alternative to conventional reconstructive methods. However, the toxicity of the drugs that are required to prevent rejection has prevented its widespread clinical application. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a low‐dose, corticosteroid‐free combination regimen of tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) would prevent rejection in a rat hind‐limb model, with minimal toxic side effects. Three groups were used in this study. In group I, Wistar Furth (WF) rats received a syngeneic WF hind‐limb. In groups II and III, WF rats received an ACI hind‐limb. The latter were treated with tacrolimus—MMF. Assessment for rejection, flow cytometry, and mixed lymphocyte reactions was performed. Biopsies were taken regularly and at the time of killing. Combination therapy with low‐dose tacrolimus—MMF effectively prolonged CTA survival indefinitely, with minimal side effects. Toxicity associated with immunosuppressive drugs can be avoided in a low‐dose combination corticosteroid‐free regimen.