Effect of calcium-channel blocker on tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF{alpha}) production in cyclosporin-treated renal transplant recipients

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY.: The influence of calcium-channel blocker treatment on in-vitroTNF production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC)from renal transplant recipients treated with cyclosporin wasstudied. DESIGN.: We compared spontaneous and OKT3-induced TNF production of 12renal transplant recipients treated with calcium-channel blockertherapy with that of 18 renal transplant recipients who werenever treated with a calcium antagonist. RESULTS.: The two groups were similar with regards to age, time aftertransplantation, dosage of immunosuppressive drugs, and bloodcyclosporin levels. Spontaneous (481±161 versus 319±74pg/ml, n.s.) and OKT3-induced (745±182 versus 632±112pg/ml, n.s.) TNF production were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS.: The results indicate that in cyclosporintreated renal transplantrecipients calcium-channel blockers do not affect TNF production.