Effect of mycophenolate mofetil on T lymphocytes infiltration of renal tissues in diabetic rats

Abstract

Objectives To investigate the effect of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) on T lymphocytes infiltration of renal tissues in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.Methods Twenty one male wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups:normal control group (NC group),diabetic model group(DM group) and MMF -treated group(MMF group).In 16 weeks,blood glucose (BG),blood urea nitrogen (BUN),serum creatinine (Scr),renal hypertrophy index (kidney weight/body weight,KW/BW) and 24 hour urinary protein (24Upro) were detected.The number of CD3 +/CD4 + T cells and expression of TNF-α/IFN-γ in renal tissues were measured through flow cytometry.Moreover,CD3 +/CD8 +T cells were determined by immunohistochemistry.Results Compared with NC group,BG,BUN,Scr,Kw/Bw,24 upro were significantly increased in DM group (P ＜ 0.01),intrarenal CD3 +/CD4 + T cells and TNF-α/IFN-γ produced by CD4 + T cells were both significantly up-regulated in flow cytometry(P ＜0.01).Similarly,the levels of CD3 + and CD8 + T cells were elevated in kidney biopsies evaluated by immunohistochemistry(P ＜0.01).Except the BG and Kw/Bw,the above mentioned parameters were all inhibited in MMF group compared with DM group(P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions MMF has an protective effect on diabetic nephropathy.The mechanisms may be explained by the inhibition of T lymphocytes infiltration and down -regulation of expression of inflammation factors in diabetic rats. Key words: Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; T-Lymphocytes ; Mycophenolic Acid; Rats