Abstract
The therapeutic effect of mizoribine (MZR) on spontaneous autoimmune disorders in MRL/Mp-lpr/lpr (MRL/l) mice was investigated. Mice were administered MZR for 3 days a week, orally, from 8 to 20 weeks of age. MZR at a dose of 20 mg/kg had a beneficial effect on the lesions in lupus nephritis and arthritis, histopathologically. At a dose of 40 mg/kg, MZR prevented the appearance of dermatitis, the lymphoproliferation of lymph nodes, reduced serum anti-dsDNA antibody titer, IgG-rheumatoid factor and anti-sheep red blood cells immune response. MZR increased number of both T cells and B cells form rosettes with SRBC. These findings provide evidences that MZR is applicable to human autoimmune diseases.
