Gingival overgrowth in dogs associated with clinically relevant cyclosporine blood levels: observations in a canine renal transplantation model.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the development of gingival hyperplasia in dogs after renal transplantation and administration of microemulsified cyclosporine A (MCsA).


METHODS
Experimental study.


METHODS
Healthy adult mongrel dogs (n=5).


METHODS
As part of study on renal transplantation, dogs administered MCsA (20 mg/kg/day), azathioprine, and prednisolone to prevent graft rejection were monitored for development of gingival changes. Prednisolone was discontinued after 3 months. MCsA dose was adjusted to maintain whole blood trough concentration of 400-700 ng/mL. Gingival change was evaluated by weekly examination and photodocumentation, and gingival biopsy for histopathology was performed at 28 weeks.


RESULTS
One dog was lost because of acute graft rejection. Gingival hyperplasia developed in 3 of 4 dogs. The earliest gingival changes occurred in the interdental papillae at 20 weeks after transplantation. On histopathology, the underlying connective tissue was thickened and contained increase numbers of fibroblasts and inflammatory infiltrates.


CONCLUSIONS
Long-term immunosuppression with an MCsA-based treatment likely induces substantial gingival hyperplasia when therapeutic, immunosuppressive blood levels of MCsA were maintained for 32 weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
MCsA is used for immune-mediated diseases and preventing rejection after transplant in dogs. MCsA blood levels, and gingival hyperplasia should be monitored by routine examination of the interdental papilla in dogs administered MCsA for long periods.
Nam
Hyun-Sook
HS
Section of Veterinary Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Institute of Veterinary Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, South Korea.
McAnulty
Jonathon F
JF
Kwak
Ho-Hyun
HH
Yoon
Byung-Il
BI
Hyun
Changbaig
C
Kim
Wan-Hee
WH
Woo
Heung-Myong
HM
D000818:Animals; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D004285:Dogs; D005885:Gingival Hyperplasia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000662:veterinary*; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016572:Cyclosporine; D011239:Prednisolone; D001379:Azathioprine