Effects of cyclosporin A on the production of experimental anti-erythrocyte autoantibodies in mice.

Mice were treated with cyclosporin A (CsA) (25-100 mg/kg daily, by mouth) during the induction of autoantibodies to erythrocytes by means of injections of rat erythrocytes. A high dose of CsA inhibited autoantibody production whereas a low dose temporarily potentiated it. Cell transfer and anti-Thy 1.2 treatment indicated the presence of suppressor T cells in the spleens of immunized mice. Their formation was inhibited by treatment with high dose CsA and potentiated by low dose CsA. In the CBA/H mice used, CsA treatment after immunization had no effect on autoantibody titres.