Immuno Flashcards
1
Q
Ciclosporin
MOA
Uses
Adverse effects
A
Ciclosporin is an immunosuppressant which decreases clonal proliferation of T cells by reducing IL-2 release. It acts by binding to cyclophilin forming a complex which inhibits calcineurin, a phosphatase that activates various transcription factors in T cells
Indications following organ transplantation rheumatoid arthritis psoriasis (has a direct effect on keratinocytes as well as modulating T cell function) ulcerative colitis pure red cell aplasia
Adverse effects of ciclosporin (note how everything is increased - fluid, BP, K+, hair, gums, glucose) nephrotoxicity hepatotoxicity fluid retention hypertension hyperkalaemia hypertrichosis gingival hyperplasia tremor impaired glucose tolerance hyperlipidaemia increased susceptibility to severe infection
Interestingly for an immunosuppressant, ciclosporin is noted by the BNF to be ‘virtually non-myelotoxic’.
