Effect of conversion from cyclosporine A to mizoribine on transplant arteriosclerosis in rat aortic allograft models.

Recent studies suggested that conversion from cyclosporine A (CsA) to antimetabolic agents protects allograft vasculopathy. However, the mechanism of this beneficial effect by the conversion therapy is not fully understood. In the present study, we investigated the effects of conversion from CsA to antimetabolic agent mizoribine (MZR) on the formation of transplant arteriosclerosis in rat aortic allografts. Conversion from CsA to MZR significantly prevented intimal hyperplasia and perivascular inflammatory cell infiltration at 28 days after aortic transplantation. These findings suggest that conversion therapy from CsA to antimetabolic agents might have therapeutic potential in transplant patients with chronic vascular rejection. Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.