Studies on experimental immune complex nephritis (3). Therapeutic effect of prostaglandin E1 alpha-cyclodextrin host molecule (PGE1 . CD) on serum sickness nephritis in rats.

The effect of prostaglandin E1 alpha-cyclodextrin host molecule (PGE1 . CD) was estimated by using a model of immune complex glomerulonephritis induced in rats by i.v. injection of 1 mg of rabbit serum albumin every other day. PGE1 . CD was given subcutaneously for 10 days after nephritis was definitely induced and resulted in a rapid restoration of various biochemical parameters, especially in plasma. The continuous s.c. administration of PGE1 . CD (300 micrograms/rat/day) with a mini osmotic pump provoked a therapeutic effect similar to that obtained with twice daily s.c. administration of PGE1 . CD (300 micrograms/rat X 2/day). Both PGE1 . CD groups revealed less glomerular damage and fewer locations of immune complexes in glomeruli as demonstrated by light and immunofluorescence microscopy. The beneficial effect of PGE1 . CD may be associated with reduced immune complex deposits in glomeruli. The present studies suggest that PGE1 . CD may enhance the clearance of immune complex deposits from the glomeruli rather than inhibiting the formation of immune complex in the circulation.