Influence of thymodepressine on the course of autoimmune process in MRL/1 female mice

Abstract

Objective. To assess efficacy of new immunoactive peptide thymodepressine (TD) selectively inhibiting T-cell immunity in rheumatic diseases Methods. Spleen, kidneys and synovial membrane morphological changes and survival were assessed in 100 MRL/1 female mice. 20 and 40 per animal TD injections in doses 10 mcg/kg and 10+100 mcg/kg were made. Control group animals received placebo (saline solution). Results were assessed by double blind method. Results. Survival of treated mice (10+100 mcg/kg) at the 6 months age was two times higher than in control group. Morphometric indices of immunogenesis in spleen of treated animals were comparable with parameters of one month age mice. White and red pulp area, number of mature and immature plasmacytes per 1 mm 2, number of megacariocytes were increased. Results of the spleen examination shows immunosuppressive action of TD suppressing lymphoprolipherative process and increasing survival of animals having lpr/lpr gen. But TD does not influence course of autoimmune process providing rheumatoid like changes in kidneys and synovial membrane of mice. Conclusion. TD has dose-dependent effect on survival and morphological indices in MRL/1 mice. Survival of animals at dose 10+100 mcg/kg was higher but dose 10 mcg/kg more expressively effected morphological indices of immuno- and hemopoiesis. Additional examinations are needed to determine optimal dose and scheme of treatment.