Work

FK 506 dosage in human organ transplantation.

Year: 1990

Type: article

Abstract: FK 506 has proved to be a new potent immunosuppressive drug in the initial clinical trials, which began at the University Hospital in Pittsburgh in February 1989.1 FK 506 has been used as either primary immunosuppressant for liver, kidney, heart, lung, and heart/lung transplants, or as rescue therapy for liver or kidney transplants. FK 506 is a macrolide derived from Streptomyces tsuku-baensis. FK 506 suppresses T-cell-mediated immunity by suppressing interleukin-2 synthesis in T cells.2 The optimal dose of FK 506 in animals to achieve immunosuppression varies from 1-2 mg/kg in rats to 12-18 mg in baboons, showing a difference among species.3 The aim of this study was to look at the amount of FK 506 used in human organ transplantation and the current maintenance doses of FK 506 and steroids in these patients.

Source: PubMed