PECES, R; URRA, JM

HOSP ALARCOS,SERV IMMUNOL,E-13002 CIUDAD REAL,SPAIN

Purpose of the study. The influence of calcium-channel blocker treatment on in-vitro TNF alpha production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from renal transplant recipients treated with cyclosporin was studied. Design. We compared spontaneous and OKT3-induced TNF alpha production of 12 renal transplant recipients treated with calcium-channel blocker therapy with that of 18 renal transplant recipients who were never treated with a calcium antagonist. Results. The two groups were similar with regards to age, time after transplantation, dosage of immunosuppressive drugs, and blood cyclosporin levels. Spontaneous (481+/-161 versus 319+/-74pg/ml, n.s.) and OKT3-induced (745 +/- 182 versus 632 +/- 112 pg/ml, n.s.) TNF alpha production were similar in both groups. Conclusions. The results indicate that in cyclosporin-treated renal transplant recipients calcium-channel blockers do not affect TNF alpha production.