The Effect of Cyclosporin A Administration and Its Withdrawal on Bone Mineral Metabolism in the Rat

Abstract

The in vivo administration of cyclosporin A (CsA) has been associated with significant bone loss and increased bone remodeling. To observe whether these changes are reversible, we have investigated the consequences of the administration and withdrawal of CsA immunotherapy on bone mineral metabolism. Three groups of Sprague-Dawley rats were studied for 28 days. Group A received vehicle, and group B received CsA (15 mg/kg BW) for 28 days, while group C received CsA (15 mg/kg BW) for 14 days and then vehicle from days 15-28 by daily gavage. Serum ionized calcium (Ca2+), PTH, bone gla protein, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, magnesium, phosphorus, and 1.25-dihydroxyvitamin D were measured weekly. Bone histomorphometry was analyzed on days 14 and 28 in groups A and B and on day 28 in group C. CsA administration resulted in reversible hypomagnesemia and mild transient elevation in circulating 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels with no change in Ca2+, PTH, blood urea nitrogen, or phosphorus. Serum bone gla protein levels were significantly increased (P < 0.002) during CsA therapy, but tended to return to control values after CsA withdrawal. Enhanced bone remodeling and significant trabecular bone loss accompanied CsA administration. Withdrawal of CsA resulted in all of the histomorphometric parameters, except for bone volume, returning to control values within 2 weeks. Incomplete restoration of bone volume occurred 5 weeks after CsA withdrawal. This limited restoration of bone volume despite CsA withdrawal may have important clinical implications.