Cyclosporine (CyA), a secreted fungal polypeptide discovered in 1972, has profound immunosuppressant properties in vitro and in vivo1 and has been used clinically to inhibit rejection of transplanted organs. More recently, because of its unique immunomodulating properties, CyA has been used in humans for the treatment of chronic asthma, membranous glomerulonephropathy, immune-mediated thrombocytopenia in children, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, lichen planus, and many other inflammatory dermatoses.2–,5
Cyclosporine is gaining wide use in veterinary medicine. In cats, CyA administration has successfully prolonged acceptance of renal allografts.6 Cyclosporine has been used successfully for the treatment of dogs with refractory immune-mediated anemia and immune-mediated thrombocytopenia.7 Cyclosporine is also available in an ophthalmic preparation for the control of keratoconjuctivitis sicca in dogs.a Recently, CyA has also been indicated for the treatment of dogs with perianal fistulas and atopic dermatitis.8,9
Cyclosporine is currently marketed in two...
