THE SODIUM RETAINING EFFECTS OF CYCLOSPORINE

The sodium retaining effects of cyclosporine. The effect of chronic cyclosporine administration on volume regulation was studied in mongrel dogs. Dogs received either cyclosporine (20 mg/kg/day p.o.; N = 7) or vehicle (N = 6) while being maintained on a constant sodium diet. Dogs had measurement of baseline vasoactive hormones. Daily sodium excretion was determined. Following eight days of drug administration, dogs were anesthetized, pre-volume expansion data was collected, and dogs underwent a one hour, 10% body weight 0.9% saline volume expansion. Daily sodium balance was +8.6 +/- 2.2 mEq in the cyclosporine group versus 0.4 +/- 1.8 mEq (P < 0.05) in the control group after 8 days. Prior to acute volume expansion, aldosterone was 22.5 +/- 7.1 ng% in the cyclosporine group versus 4.7 +/- 0.7 ng% in controls (P < 0.05). ANF was suppressed in the animals receiving cyclosporine. In response to volume expansion, the cyclosporine group demonstrated an attenuation of maximum urine flow by 56%, fractional excretion of sodium by 52%, and electrolyte free water clearance by 75% when compared to controls (P < 0.05). We demonstrate that chronic cyclosporine administration activates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, suppresses circulating ANF, and results in chronic sodium retention. Additionally, cyclosporine attenuates the natriuretic and diuretic response to acute volume expansion.