Abstract |
We performed an observational clinical study, the effects of tacrolimus ( FK506) on the thymic output in patients with refractory inflammatory myopathies. Sixteen patients with polymyositis (PM) and 15 with dermatomyositis (DM) were treated orally with tacrolimus. Serum CK levels significantly decreased 2 to 4 months after tacrolimus therapy (p < 0.01), and MRC (Medical Research Council) scores were significantly improved 2 months after tacrolimus therapy (p < 0.01). T-cell receptor excision circle (TREC) content, a proxy for thymic export was not significantly different from that in age-matched controls, except for an increase in the TREC content within CD8+ single positive cells in patients with DM. TREC contents within double-positive cells and CD4+ single-positive cells were significantly decreased 4 M after tacrolimus therapy (p < 0.05) in PM/DM patients. Tacrolimus treatment significantly attenuated TREC content within cultured CD4+CD8- cells from PM/DMpatients (p < 0.05), but total cell counts were not significantly changed. These results indicate that tacrolimus therapy suppresses not only activated T-lymphocytes, but also some naïve T-cell subsets in both PM and DM.
|
Authors | Takao Mitsui, Yukiko Kuroda, Shu-Ichi Ueno, Ryuji Kaji |
Journal | Acta neurologica Belgica
(Acta Neurol Belg)
Vol. 111
Issue 3
Pg. 188-94
(Sep 2011)
ISSN: 0300-9009 [Print] Italy |
PMID | 22141281
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
|
Chemical References |
- Immunosuppressive Agents
- Tacrolimus
|
Topics |
- Administration, Oral
- Aged
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes
(cytology, drug effects)
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes
(cytology, drug effects)
- Cells, Cultured
- Dermatomyositis
(drug therapy)
- Humans
- Immunosuppressive Agents
(administration & dosage)
- Lymphocyte Activation
(drug effects)
- Middle Aged
- Polymyositis
(drug therapy)
- Tacrolimus
(administration & dosage)
|