[The effect of cyclosporin A on experimental glomerulonephritis in rabbits].

The effect of cyclosporin A on the development of the autologous phase of experimental rabbit glomerulonephritis was assessed. The glomerulonephritis was induced by an intravenous injection of duck anti-rabbit glomerular basement membrane globulin into adult rabbits. After 5-7 days, diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis with proteinuria and linear glomerular basement membrane deposits of rabbit IgG were observed in all animals. The cyclosporin A treatment was started simultaneously with the injection of duck globulin. This attenuated the glomerular lesion, resulting in a normal urinary excretion. The serum level of anti-duck globulin antibody was reduced. In the group of rabbits, receiving an injection of duck anti-rabbit glomerular basement membrane globulin, cyclosporin A treatment and an additional high dose of rabbit anti-duck globulin 8 days later, equally no glomerulonephritis was observed. However, no effect of cyclosporin A treatment on the duck immunoglobulin induced passive Arthus phenomenon was seen.