Electron microscopic study of the nephrotoxic effect of cyclosporine A and cyclosporine A - in fedipine combined therapy in the rat

ABSTRACT

Cyclosporine A is a potent immunosuppressive agent used in kidney, liver, heart and other organs transplantation for the prevention of allograft rejection as well as in the treatment of a number of autoimmune diseases. By means of its selective action on the immune system it not only significantly improves the post operative survival rate but also the quality of the life of the transplant patient. However, Cyclosporine A therapy can give rise to a number of side effects including nephrotoxicity and hypertension. Hypertension in Cyclosporine A treated patients is often treated with calcium channel blockers. The one most frequently used in combination with Cyclosporine A is nifedipine. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of Cyclosporine A on renal tissue when used alone or in combination with nifedipine. Three groups of animals were used. The first one was used as control; the second one was treated with Cyclosporine A and the third one with Cyclosporine A and nifedipine. The kidney samples were prepared for electron microscopic examination. The kidneys of animals treated with Cyclosporine A alone showed marked degenerative changes affecting both the glomeruli and proximal tubules while those treated with Cyclosporine A and nifedipine showed mild degenerative changes affecting only some of the proximal tubules. So it is recommended to use it with other medications which could reduce its toxic effect