Effects of the New Immunoactive Compound FCE 20696 on Rat and Murine Models of Autoimmune Diseases

Abstract

FCE 20696 is a new synthetic immunomodulator, capable to induce suppressor cells after repeated oral administrations in mice. We have tested it by oral route in three established models of autoimmunity. Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis (EAE) has been induced in rats and FCE 20696 has been given for two weeks before the encephalitogenic stimulus and continued afterwards until the complete recovery. Adjuvant Arthritis (AA) has been induced in rats and FCE 20696 has been given for five weeks starting one week before the induction of the disease. Female NZB/WF1 mice were treated with FCE 20696 biweekly throughout their life, starting from nine weeks of age. In EAE, the compound at dose of 2.5 mg/kg reduced the symptoms of the disease and protected 60% of animals from becoming ill. In the AA model, FCE 20696 at 1.1 mg/kg reduced inflammatory lesions in both the injected and the controlateral legs. NZB/WF1 mice treated with 1.5 mg/kg lived 20 weeks longer than controls and proteinuria of 5 mg/ml or more was delayed by 22 weeks. This drug has a definite value in experimental autoimmunity and seems a good candidate for clinical testing.