Transplantation Pharmacology (Immunosuppression)

Question 1

Cyclosporine

Answer 1

• key drug used in transplant immunosuppression
• greatly reduced cytokine (mainly IL-2) synthesis
• mechanism: binds to cyclophilin, inhibiting calcineurin, reducing IL-2 synthesis
• side effects: nephrotoxicity, hyperkalemia, hair growth, gum hyperplasia, tremor, headaches

Question 2

Tacrolimus

Answer 2

• similar to cyclosporine (reduces cytokine synthesis)
• mechanism: binds to cyclophilin, inhibiting calcineurin, reducing IL-2 synthesis
• side effects: nephrotoxicity, hair loss (alopecia), diabetes, neurotoxicity

Question 3

Mycophenolate Mofetil

Answer 3

• a very strong immunosuppressive drug
• also used to treat SLE
• side effects: major GIT issues

Question 4

Prednisone

Answer 4

• steroid
• inhibits cell-mediated immunity (mainly via IL-2 inhibition)
• side effects: diabetes, weight gain, moon face, osteoporosis, fragile skin and bruising