Successful treatment of autoimmunity in (NZB X NZW)F1 mice with cyclosporin and (Nva2)-cyclosporin: II. Reduction of glomerulonephritis.

Autoimmune (NZB X NZW)F1 mice were treated with the immunosuppressive agent, cyclosporin, and its new derivative (Nva2)-cyclosporin. Both compounds prevented the deposition of immunocomplexes in the kidneys, and the subsequent development of glomerulonephritis and proteinuria in young mice. They also reduced established proteinuria in old mice. Therefore, we feel that both cyclosporin and (Nva2)-cyclosporin may be useful in the treatment of human glomerulonephritis where there is an autoimmune component.