Comparative study of cyclophosphamide, 6-mercaptopurine, azathiopurine and methotrexate. Relative effects on the humoral and the cellular immune response in the mouse
Otterness, I.G.; Chang, Y.H.
Clinical and Experimental Immunology 26(2): 346-354
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0009-9104 PMID: 991462 Document Number: 98085
The effects of cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine on the concomitant development of the humoral and the cellular immune responses of mice to a single antigen, the El4 tumor cell, were investigated. The measurements of cellular and humoral immunity were carried out in the same animal using lymphocyte and antibody mediated lysis of the El4 cell, a measurement system independent of underlying anti-inflammatory effects. A regimen of daily cyclophosphamide had a more pronounced suppressive effect on the humoral response than on the cellular response. A single low dose of cyclophosphamide stimulated the cellular response and suppressed the humoral response. Single or multiple high doses of cyclophosphamide maximally suppressed the cellular and humoral response. Azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine caused equivalent inhibition of the humoral and cellular responses, and thus lacked selectivity. Methotrexate also provided equivalent inhibition of the humoral and cellular responses at all dose levels investigated.