The effect of cyclosporin A on rabbit nephrotoxic glomerulonephritis.

The effect of cyclosporin A on the development of the autologous phase of experimental rabbit glomerulonephritis was assessed. The glomerulonephritis was induced by a single intravenous injection of duck anti-rabbit glomerular basement membrane globulin (molecular weight: 115 kDa) into adult rabbits. After 5-7 days, diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis with proteinuria was observed in all the animals not treated with cyclosporin A (control group). The cyclosporin A treatment was started simultaneously with the injection of duck globulin. This attenuated the glomerular lesion, resulting in a normal urinary protein excretion. The serum level of autologous anti-duck IgG was reduced. In the group of rabbits which received an injection of duck anti-rabbit glomerular basement membrane globulin, cyclosporin A treatment and an additional high dose rabbit anti-duck globulin 8 days later again no glomerulonephritis was observed. However, cyclosporin A treatment had no effect on the observed duck immunoglobulin-induced passive Arthus phenomenon.