Circadian rhythm of T-lymphocyte subsets, cortisol and cyclosporin in kidney-transplanted subjects.
The present study deals with the 24-h changes in circulating lymphocyte subpopulations in eight subjects with kidney grafts established for 2 to 5 years and treated with cyclosporin. The control group consisted of ten age-matched clinically healthy subjects. The chronobiological analysis of time series documented that the circadian rhythm of T-lymphocyte subsets is undetectable in transplanted subjects. Cortisol rhythmicity persists, however, suggesting that the abolition of T-cell rhythmicity is not attributable to a desynchronisation of the adrenal cycle. Even though the therapy was combined with prednisolone, the abrogation of rhythmicity for T-lymphocyte subpopulations seems to be related to the immunosuppressive action of cyclosporin, as the plasma concentrations of the drug show no periodic variations along the 24-h span. Antirejection therapy of kidney-transplanted subjects could be adjusted so that cyclosporin is given at a time that would promote suppression of T-lymphocytes without altering their rhythmic performance.
Cugini
P
P
Endocrine Pathophysiology (Chronobiology Laboratories), University of Rome La Sapienza, Policlinico Umberto I, Italy.
Cavallini
M
M
Pozzilli
P
P
Letizia
C
C
Sepe
M
M
Di Palma
L
L
Battisti
P
P
D000328:Adult; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology*; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology
D016572:Cyclosporine; D006854:Hydrocortisone