Cyclosporin A has been used to test its toxic effect on perfused 3D proximal tubule model.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Cyclosporin A is a non-polar cyclic oligopeptide produced by the fungus Tolypocladium inflatum. It is a potent immunosuppressive agent, affecting primarily T-lymphocytes. It has been shown to inhibit the functioning of several nuclear proteins involved in T-cell activation at the level of mRNA transcription. It forms a complex with its intracellular receptor cyclophilin, which can then bind to calcineurin, a Ca2+- and calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase,inhibiting its enzymatic activity. CsA was found to suppress the replication of hepatitis C virus genome in cultured hepatocytes.At concentrations >10 nM, CsA protected isolated hepatocytes against the action of phalloidin.CsA can inhibit IL2 production resulting from T cell activation via Calcineurin inhibition.An extensive list of references has been reported, including a comprehensive review of analytical properties.
Cyclosporin A is generally given subsequent to transplant surgery to prevent rejection. In addition to its beneficial effects in organ transplantation, cyclosporin (CyA) exhibits nephrotoxic side effects.