Pathophysiology of cyclosporine-induced nephrotoxicity in humans: a role for nitric oxide?

Background: The causes for the nephrotoxicity of cyclosporine A (CsA) have not been fully elucidated. Intrarenal vasoconstriction induced by several different mediators, both in humans and experimental animals, have been proposed.

Methods: We studied prostaglandin metabolites, endothelin and nitric oxide in kidney transplant patients receiving their first CsA dose.