actinobolin and gusperimus

In the search for a new drug to treat myasthenia gravis, we studied the efficacy of new immunosuppressants on experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG). 15-Deoxyspergualin (15-DSP), bactobolin and actinobolin were administered to some groups at the time of immunization and to other groups 10 days after. The most effective results were achieved with doses of 2.5 mg/kg daily of 15-DSP and 30 mg/kg daily of actinobolin administered from day 1. In both groups, the body weights of the rats increased as normally as those of controls and signs of myasthenia were mild. Immunoelectron microscopic examination of the neuromuscular junctions in rats treated with 2.5 mg/kg of 15-DSP appeared normal, even in the chronic phase (induced by a booster at week 4). Levels of anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies were almost completely suppressed. Although the effects of these drugs were more remarkable when administered from day 1 than from day 10, the results suggest that they may prove useful in treating myasthenic patients.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Antibody Formation; Benzopyrans; Electric Organ; Female; Guanidines; Immunosuppressive Agents; Microscopy, Immunoelectron; Myasthenia Gravis; Neuromuscular Junction; Pyrans; Rats; Receptors, Cholinergic; Torpedo