IMMUNOSUPPRESSANTS promote neurite extension in culture and facilitate rege
neration of peripheral nerves in vivo. However, their neurotrophic effects
in the CNS have not been well studied. We utilized a rat dorsal root transa
ction model to examine the effects of cyclosporine A (CsA) and FK 506 on re
generation of the dorsal root into the spinal cord. After surgery, the rats
received daily subcutaneous injections of CsA or FK 506. One month after s
urgery, dorsal root axons were immunohistochemically labeled to evaluate th
e extent of regeneration into the spinal cord. Dorsal root axons of CsA/FK
506-treated rats frequently entered into the spinal cord and arborized exte
nsively. Administration of immunosuppressants markedly promoted regeneratio
n of dorsal root axons into the spinal cord. (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams &
Wilkins.