Effects of cyclosporine on systemic MHC expression. Evidence that non-T cells produce interferon-gamma in vivo and are inhibitable by cyclosporine

The ability of lipopolysaccharide to induce major histocompatibility complex hyperexpression in vivo in a variety of mouse tissues -- particularly kidney -- and the effect of cyclosporine on this process were studied. MHC expression was measured by a radiolabeled antibody-binding assay using tissue homogenates, as well as by assessment of tissue sections by indirect immunoperoxidase staining. The results indicate that there is a non T cell pathway for IFN- gamma release (and MHC induction) in vivo that is sensitive to CsA. This observation raises the possibility that some of the immunosuppressive effects of CsA may be due inhibition of mediator release from non T cells.