Antischistosomal effects of cyclosporin A.

Administration of cyclosporin A, a new selective immunosuppressive agent, to mice infected withSchistosoma mansoni resulted in a significant reduction in the number of mature and immature male and, to a greater extent, female worms. With lower, subeffective, doses a reduction in hemoglobinase activity and protein content of female schistosomes is produced. Evidence available so far suggests that the antischistosomal effects of cyclosporin A are mediated through a stimulation of host mechanisms directed against the parasite.