Immunosuppressive agents: combating ocular inflammatory disease

Question 1

Name the common immunosuppressive agents used in ocular pharmacology:

Answer 1

Cyclosporin 
Corticosteroids
Tacrolimus 
Azathioprine 
Methotrexate 
Cellcept

Question 2

What is the mode of action of corticosteroids?

Answer 2

They act on cytosolic receptors to block the transcription of ctyokine genes (IL 1, 2, 3, 5), TNF-alpha and Interferon Gamma.

Question 3

Name some side effects of corticosteroids?

Answer 3

Weight gain
Hypertension
Impaired glucose metabolism
Osteoporosis

Question 4

What is the mode of action of cyclosporin and tacrolimus?

Answer 4

Inhibits IL2 production and promotes transforming growth factor B production

Question 5

Name the side effects of cyclosporin?

Answer 5

• nephrotoxicity
• hypertension
• hyperlipidaemia
• glucose intolerance
• hirsutism
• gingival hyperplasia

Question 6

What is the mode of action of Azathiaprine and cellcept?

Answer 6

Inhibits purine synthesis, blocking RNA and DNA synthesis

Question 7

What are the common side effects of Azathioprine and cellcept?

Answer 7

• bone marrow suppression
• diarrhoea
• GI upset

Question 8

What is the method of action of methotrexate?

Answer 8

Folate antagonist, thereby suppressing DNA synthesis

Question 9

What is inflixamab?

Answer 9

Chimeric antibody that blocks TNF-a

Question 10

What is Etanercept?

Answer 10

A fusion protein of p-75 that blocks TNF-a

Question 11

What is Ranibizumab?

Answer 11

Monoclonal antiboy

Suffix- mab