[Effects of immunosuppressants on cultured rat macrophages and Schwann's cells].

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effects of several immunosuppressants on the cell numbers of cultured rat macrophages and Schwann's cells.

METHODS

The macrophages and Schwann's cells were cultured from the new-born Wistar rats. Different concentrations of methylprednisolone (10(-3), 10(-4), 10(-6) and 10(-8) mol/L), CsA (10(-5), 10(-6), 10(-7) and 10(-8) mol/L) and FK506 (10(-6), 10(-7), 10(-8) and 10(-9) mol/L) were administrated to the cells, while control group was given no drugs. Twenty-four, 48 and 72 hours after administration, the cells from different concentrations were measured with MTT methods respectively. The results were compared and analyzed statistically.

RESULTS

Only high concentration methylprednisolone (10(-4) mol/L) and a certain range of concentrations of CsA (10(-6), 10(-7) and 10(-8) mol/L) and FK506 (10(-7), 10(-8) and 10(-9) mol/L) can provide protection to cultured rat macrophages. Under most concentrations, CsA and FK506 had no effects on the cell number of cultured rat Schwann's cell. Only with high concentration CsA (10(-5) mol/L) and methylprednisolone (10(-3) mol/L) could significantly decreased the cell number of Schwann's cell. Long time (72 hours) and low dosage (10(-8) mol/L) administration of methylprednisolone could significantly protect Schwann's cell.

CONCLUSION

High concentration methylprednisolone and some certain concentration CsA and FK506 can protect cultured rat macrophages. But high concentration CsA and methylprednisolone prohibit the proliferation of Schwann's cells. Only long time and low dosage methylprednisolone can protect cultured rat Schwann's cells.