Pharmacological properties of YM-11124, a selective immunosuppressive agent for cell-mediated immunity.

Effect of YM-11124 on cell-mediated immune responses, type I to type III allergic reactions and inflammatory reaction was determined in mice, rats and guinea pigs. YM-11124 inhibited picryl chloride- and methylated bovine serum albumin-induced delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions by the treatment during both the sensitization and the elicitation phases in mice. Bilateral adrenalectomy did not prevent the suppression of DTH response by YM-11124. YM-11124 significantly prolonged the survival time of allogenic skin grafts in mice. Furthermore, YM-11124 inhibited the passive Arthus reaction in guinea pigs and the reversed passive Arthus reaction in rats. However, YM-11124 did not affect the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction in rats, Forssman shock in guinea pigs and paw edema in rats. These results indicate that YM-11124 suppresses not only cell-mediated immune responses (type IV allergic reactions) but also type III allergic reactions without influence on types I and II allergic reactions as well as acute inflammation.