Effect of Ciclosporin on Active Heymann Nephritis

Abstract

The effects of ciclosporin on active Heymann’s nephritis starting at different times after induction was studied. When given at the time of antigen injection, ciclosporin blocked both free antibody and circulating immune complex formation. Immunopathology and renal function tests remained normal in this group despite a rise in both these parameters to control values after ciclosporin was discontinued. When given at a later stage of the disease process, despite suppression of both antibody and complex formation, neither pathology nor functional parameters were modified. This suggests either a limited time frame for immunologically mediated injury in Heymann’s nephritis or that early treatment with ciclosporin may permanently alter a vital primary step in the immunopathogenesis.

Effects of Rapamycin on Active Heymann Nephritis

“…The results showed that induction of HN cannot be completely prevented with the immunosuppressive drugs conventionally used for the therapy of IMN, such as corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide [15, 16]. It was also shown that cyclosporine reduces proteinuria, production of anti Fx1 antibodies and glomerular deposition of the C3 component of the complement system, and that tacrolimus completely prevents the induction of HN [17,18,19]. Mycophenolate mofetil prevents the induction of both active and passive HN, but it has only limited effects on the evolving disease [20].…”

Reduced Incidence of Slowly Progressive Heymann Nephritis in Rats Immunized With a Modified Vaccination Technique

“…Moreover, there is a better chance in SPHN to intervene and downregulate or even terminate autoimmune disease-causing events (Barabas et al 2004a, Barabas andLafreniere 2005). Previous attempts to treat HN with immunosuppressive agents either before or after its induction resulted in no significant changes in the three most important aspects of the disease (Barabas et al 1970, Kupor et al 1976, Cattran 1988, Matsukawa et al 1992, Yokoyama et al 1999. In these experiments reductions in proteinuria, decreases in circulating pathogenic IgG aab levels and morpho- logical changes in the kidney did not occur.…”

Four Aspects of Autoimmunity and How to Regain Tolerance to Self From an Autoimmune Disease Utilizing the Modified Vaccination Technique

“…Generally speaking it is not understood why. Autoimmune diseases are treated with immunosuppressive agents (Cattran, 1988;Fox & McCune, 1994;Fox & Ransohoff, 2004;Matsukawa et al, 1992) that have side effects and do not act specifically to terminate disease processes (Perna et al, 2004). In addition, as a result of their non-selective inhibition of the overall function of the immune system, these immunosuppressants expose patients to infection and related complications.…”

“…The question of how to correct immunological mishaps that not only compromise the normal functioning of an affected organ but can even threaten the life of the host has engaged numerous investigators in the search for curative solutions. So far the options available for treating ailments caused by autoimmune disorders have been mainly limited to drugs (Cattran, 1988;Matsukawa et al, 1992;Penny et al, 1998), which in general have undesirably over-broad effects. Yet there are encouraging signs that targeted, specific cures might be achieved by immunological means (Andreakos et al, 2002;Berinstein, 2007;Hasegawa et al, 2001;Lollini & Forni, 2002;Yokoyama et al, 1999).…”