EFFECTS OF LS-2616 ADMINISTRATION UPON THE AUTOIMMUNE-DISEASE OF (NZB X NZW) F1-HYBRID MICE

Abstract

Autoimmune (NZB .times. NZW)F1 female hybrid mice were treated with LS-2616, a recently developed substance with immunomodulating properties. Treatment was initiated at the age of 4 months (i.e. at the early stage of the disease) as well as at 7 months of age (i.e. after the development of established lupus-like disease). Control groups treated with cyclophosphamide and physiological saline were also studied. Beneficial therapeutic effects were obtained regardless of when the treatment was initiated and the dose of LS-2616 administered (1 and 8 mg/mouse/week). The effects of LS-2616 on longevity, splenomegaly and glomerulonephritis were pronounced and sometimes comparable to those of cyclophosphamide (1.8 mg/mouse/week). The results obtained suggest that LS-2616 may be useful in the treatment of autoimmune disease in man.