Cyclosporine does not enhance the development of accelerated coronary artery disease: experimental study in a rat cardiac transplant model.

Background: Among other factors, cyclosporine (CsA) is linked with the development of accelerated coronary artery disease (ACAD) after transplantation. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of different CsA regimens on ACAD after rat heart transplantation.

Methods: After heterotopic cardiac transplantation (Lewis to Fisher), animals were treated with 3 or 12 mg/kg per day of CsA, administered subcutaneously.