Abstract
Although cyclosporin A and tacrolimus are used clinically as potent immunosuppressants, there have been reports of neurotoxicity and encephalopathy. A possible mechanism is that these drugs damage the blood-brain barrier (BBB), inducing dysfunction and increased permeability and are then able to enter the brain. We studied the cytotoxicity of cyclosporin A and tacrolimus, focused on apoptosis induction, using an immortalized cell line established from BALB/c mouse cerebral microvessel endothelial cells (MBEC4). We found that these two drugs induced cell shrinkage, chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation, which are characteristics of apoptosis. Our data suggest that the induction of apoptosis on the brain capillary endothelial cells may be at least partly involved in the occurrence of immunosuppressant-induced encephalopathy.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
