Renal effects of long-term ciclosporin A treatment in a large animal model.

Background: Most experimental studies of chronic ciclosporin A (CsA) nephrotoxicity have been performed in rodents; however, the pig possesses several advantages. The aim of this study was to investigate renal functional and structural changes during CsA treatment with 20 mg/kg/day for 6 months in a pig model.

Methods: Gottingen minipigs were randomized to oral CsA treatment or as controls.