Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an organ-specific autoimmune disease attacki
ng nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChR) of the neuromuscular junct
ion. Autoantibody production is regulated by autoimmune helper T cells
that are specific to AChR. Therefore the suppression of autoimmune T
cell activity could reduce myasthenic symptoms. Amongst immunomodulato
ry therapies aimed at T cells, we studied the therapeutic effect of FK
506 as a T cell-specific immunosuppressive agent. Rats in which experi
mental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) was induced by immunization
with synthetic peptide of human AChR alpha-subunit residues 125-147 (
H alpha 125-147) were treated daily with FK506 (1 mg/kg). FK506 preven
ted the reduction in amplitude of miniature endplate potential (MEPP)
which was induced by H alpha 125-147 immunization. FK506 also suppress
ed anti-H alpha 125-147 and anti-rat AChR antibody production accompan
ied by a decrease in the antigen-specific T cell response against H al
pha 125-147. These findings indicate that FK506 prevents induction of
rat EAMG evoked by immunizing T cells against H alpha 125-147. (C) 199
7 Academic Press Limited.