Experimental study of the side-effects of cyclosporine A on circulatory system / 解放军医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To study the side-effects of immunosuppressant cyclosporine A (CsA) on the circulatory system of rabbit and the mechanism of its toxicity. Methods Eighteen male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into three groups. CsA were administered intravenously in 5mg?kg~ -1?d~ -1 to group A and in 15mg?kg~ -1?d~ -1 to group B for consecutively 21 days, meanwhile, as a control, an equal amount of saline was given to group C. Ultrasound and physiometry instrument were used to assess the experimental results. Results No changes were found in the dimension of any cardiac chamber in both groups A and B, obvious thickening occurred in the interventricular septum and the posterior wall of the left ventricular, pericardial effusion appeared and the weight of cardiac muscle increased significantly, and the diastolic and systolic blood pressure in ascending aorta decreased in groups A and B compared to group C. Also, the systolic pressure in left ventricular decreased while the diastolic pressure increased significantly in groups A and B. Conclusion Large dose of CsA has strong toxic effects on cardiac muscles, and can cause cardiac malfunction.