Objective: To study the immunosuppressive effects of FK-506 on allogeneic transplantation in a rat model.
Methods: Inbred strain Lou rats were used as recipients, and F344 rats were used as donors. Subconjunctival injection of FK-506 0.1 mg/kg and cyclosporine A (CsA) 3 mg/kg were administered respectively for 2 weeks, and the grafts were inspected by clinical evaluation.
Results: The group receiving FK-506 had a significant delay in allograft rejection with mean survival time (22.1 +/- 5.17) days vs. (18.4 +/- 1.4) days for the CsA group and (12.1 +/- 2.13) days for the control group (P < 0.01).
Conclusion: It is indicated that FK-506 would be a useful drug to suppress corneal graft rejection.