Mycophenolate mofetil: a promising new immunosuppressant that does not cause bone loss in the rat

Transplantation. 1998 Jan 27;65(2):275-8. doi: 10.1097/00007890-199801270-00025.

Abstract

Background: Posttransplantation bone disease is a well-described phenomenon; among its etiology is immunosuppressant-induced bone disease. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has emerged as a promising new immunosuppressant. Our study was designed to investigate the effect of MMF on in vivo bone mineral metabolism.

Methods: Twenty-four 6-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into two groups to receive either MMF vehicle daily for 28 days or 30 mg/kg MMF daily for 28 days. The serum was assayed for osteocalcin and 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3. Subsequent to double-labeling, the right tibiae were removed on day 28 for histomorphometry.

Results: MMF suppressed bone gla protein (osteocalcin) levels on days 14 and 28 (P < 0.05). Except for percentage osteoid perimeter, there was no difference in bone histomorphometry between the two groups.

Conclusion: In this relatively short-term study, MMF did not cause osteopenia in the rat model, but the suppressed bone gla protein merits further study.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bone Density / drug effects*
  • Bone Diseases / etiology
  • Bone Diseases / prevention & control
  • Bone and Bones / drug effects*
  • Bone and Bones / metabolism
  • Bone and Bones / pathology
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • Histocytochemistry
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / pharmacology*
  • Male
  • Mycophenolic Acid / analogs & derivatives*
  • Mycophenolic Acid / pharmacology
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Random Allocation
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Transplantation / adverse effects

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Mycophenolic Acid