Development of a leukocytopenic baby guinea pig model with azathioprine and cyclophosphamide.
Immunosuppressive agents were given to baby guinea pigs to develop a leukocytopenic baby guinea pig model. Azathioprine in different doses, and cyclophosamide and methylprednisolone combinations did not result in predictable leukocytopenia without significant mortality. A combination of azathioprine 20 mg and cyclophosphamide 20 mg administered once daily for 5 days to 42 baby guinea pigs resulted in a mean white blood cell count of 2531/mm3 +/- 1198 (a reduction of 3931 +/- 1413 from pretreatment values). The mean counts for polymorphonuclear leukocytes and lymphocytes on day 6 were 398/mm3 and 2035/mm3, respectively. Only 7% mortality was seen in these animals. This model can be utilized to study a variety of bacterial and viral infections in "immunocompromised hosts".
Kumar
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A
Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824-1317.
Leonard
M C
MC
Cleveland
R P
RP
D000818:Animals; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001835:Body Weight; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D007970:Leukopenia / Q000139:chemically induced; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000494:pharmacology; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000187:drug effects
D003520:Cyclophosphamide; D001379:Azathioprine; D008775:Methylprednisolone