Immunosuppressive agents in renal transplantation

[Immunosuppressive therapy in renal transplantation].

In 1960, the beneficial effect on allograft survival of 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) was demonstrated. In 1961, azathioprine, a less toxic derivative of 6-MP, was synthesized and soon became the main form of maintenance therapy. Around the same time, clinical studies of the effects of corticosteroids on the immune system were being conducted and successful reversal of rejection with cortisone was re...

State of immunosuppressive agents in organ transplantation.

TRANSPLANT A nON has been built on the foundation of using drug thera.py to nonspecifically suppress the recipient immune response. Failure to achieve adequate immunosuppression is associated with a high incidence of graft loss from rejection. The present goal of immunosuppressive regimens is to suppress the immune response to the allograft while preserving sufficient immunity to avoid opportun...

Problems with immunosuppressive agents in renal disease.

LECTURE Low toxicity immunosuppressive protocols in renal transplantation

With the development of increasingly potent new immunosuppressive agents, the outcomes after renal transplantation have continued to improve. However, patients continue to require long term chronic immunosuppression. The toxicities associated with cyclosporine, azathioprine, prednisone, and anti-lymphocyte antibodies are well known; those associated with the newer agents, tacrolimus, mycophenol...

Effect of Immunosuppressive Agents on Hepatocyte Apoptosis Post-Liver Transplantation

INTRODUCTION Immunosuppressants are used ubiquitously post-liver transplantation to prevent allograft rejection. However their effects on hepatocytes are unknown. Experimental data from non-liver cells indicate that immunosuppressants may promote cell death thereby driving an inflammatory response that promotes fibrosis and raises concerns that a similar effect may occur within the liver. We ev...