Marked reduction of DNA antibody production and glomerulopathy in thymulin (FTS-Zn) or cyclosporin A treated (NZB X NZW) F1 mice.

In this study we have evaluated the action of two compounds, cyclosporin A (Cy A) and thymulin (FTS-Zn) in old (NZB X NZW) F1 male mice which develop severe autoimmune disease. Compared with control mice, thymulin and Cy A treated mice already showed by 2 weeks a dramatic diminution of their anti-DNA antibody level which remained low throughout the treatment period and persisted for 7 weeks afterwards. Renal specimens were studied by direct immunofluorescence in Cy A and thymulin treated mice. Glomerular deposits were decreased compared with control mice; these differences were particularly clearcut for IgG1 and IgG2 deposits. Finally, thymulin (FTS-Zn) and Cy A appeared to induce the same improvement of DNA titres and glomerulopathy in (NZB X BW) F1 mice.