The effects of cyclosporin A on glucose homeostasis and the kidney in the normal rat.

The effects of administering cyclosporin A (CsA), for periods of up to 84 days, on glucose homeostasis and renal function were studied in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Marked glucose intolerance was demonstrated at a variety of drug doses, accompanied in the longer term by hyperglycaemia. Early on and at high CsA dose, the abnormal islet cell function was accompanied by islet cell vacuolation; in the long-term dose groups, more chronic structural islet changes were present. Although abnormalities in renal function and structure were noted during this study, they were not directly related to the pancreatic changes observed.