Methyldopa: effects on the murine immune system. 1985

L D Caren, and J N Billett, and A D Mandel

Mice were treated for 7 weeks with doses of methyldopa somewhat exceeding those given to man, and mixed immunotoxic effects were observed. Daily subcutaneous injections of 5 mg (in 0.1 ml) methyldopa or saline (0.1 ml) did not generally alter body weights, except on day 19, when the methyldopa-treated mice weighed significantly less. During treatment, all mice were immunized twice with sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and bled four times. Anti-SRBC titers were not affected by methyldopa treatment, but leukocyte counts were dramatically decreased, and hematocrits to a lesser degree. Although in methyldopa-treated mice spleen and kidneys were increased in size, liver, lung, heart, and thymus size was not affected. These results are discussed in the context of other studies on the mode of action of methyldopa in eliciting an autoimmune anemia in man treated therapeutically with this drug.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007107 Immune System The body's defense mechanism against foreign organisms or substances and deviant native cells. It includes the humoral immune response and the cell-mediated response and consists of a complex of interrelated cellular, molecular, and genetic components. Immune Systems,System, Immune,Systems, Immune
D007958 Leukocyte Count The number of WHITE BLOOD CELLS per unit volume in venous BLOOD. A differential leukocyte count measures the relative numbers of the different types of white cells. Blood Cell Count, White,Differential Leukocyte Count,Leukocyte Count, Differential,Leukocyte Number,White Blood Cell Count,Count, Differential Leukocyte,Count, Leukocyte,Counts, Differential Leukocyte,Counts, Leukocyte,Differential Leukocyte Counts,Leukocyte Counts,Leukocyte Counts, Differential,Leukocyte Numbers,Number, Leukocyte,Numbers, Leukocyte
D008750 Methyldopa An alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that has both central and peripheral nervous system effects. Its primary clinical use is as an antihypertensive agent. Methyldopate,alpha-Methyldopa,Aldomet,Alphamethyldopa,Apo-Methyldopa,Dopamet,Dopegit,Dopegyt,Dopergit,Hydopa,Meldopa,Nu-Medopa,Sembrina,alpha-Methyl-L-Dopa,Apo Methyldopa,Nu Medopa,alpha Methyl L Dopa,alpha Methyldopa
D001835 Body Weight The mass or quantity of heaviness of an individual. It is expressed by units of pounds or kilograms. Body Weights,Weight, Body,Weights, Body
D005260 Female Females
D006400 Hematocrit The volume of packed RED BLOOD CELLS in a blood specimen. The volume is measured by centrifugation in a tube with graduated markings, or with automated blood cell counters. It is an indicator of erythrocyte status in disease. For example, ANEMIA shows a low value; POLYCYTHEMIA, a high value. Erythrocyte Volume, Packed,Packed Red-Cell Volume,Erythrocyte Volumes, Packed,Hematocrits,Packed Erythrocyte Volume,Packed Erythrocyte Volumes,Packed Red Cell Volume,Packed Red-Cell Volumes,Red-Cell Volume, Packed,Red-Cell Volumes, Packed,Volume, Packed Erythrocyte,Volume, Packed Red-Cell,Volumes, Packed Erythrocyte,Volumes, Packed Red-Cell
D000818 Animals Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA. Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D013997 Time Factors Elements of limited time intervals, contributing to particular results or situations. Time Series,Factor, Time,Time Factor
D051379 Mice The common name for the genus Mus. Mice, House,Mus,Mus musculus,Mice, Laboratory,Mouse,Mouse, House,Mouse, Laboratory,Mouse, Swiss,Mus domesticus,Mus musculus domesticus,Swiss Mice,House Mice,House Mouse,Laboratory Mice,Laboratory Mouse,Mice, Swiss,Swiss Mouse,domesticus, Mus musculus

Related Publications

L D Caren, and J N Billett, and A D Mandel
May 2009, Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science : JAALAS,
L D Caren, and J N Billett, and A D Mandel
January 1989, Archives of environmental contamination and toxicology,
L D Caren, and J N Billett, and A D Mandel
March 1986, Cancer research,
L D Caren, and J N Billett, and A D Mandel
July 1974, Journal of the Reticuloendothelial Society,
L D Caren, and J N Billett, and A D Mandel
January 1985, Advances in experimental medicine and biology,
L D Caren, and J N Billett, and A D Mandel
January 2005, Handbook of experimental pharmacology,
L D Caren, and J N Billett, and A D Mandel
January 1998, Proceedings of the Western Pharmacology Society,
L D Caren, and J N Billett, and A D Mandel
December 2007, Current drug targets,
L D Caren, and J N Billett, and A D Mandel
January 1987, Sangre,
L D Caren, and J N Billett, and A D Mandel
January 1988, Immunopharmacology,
Copied contents to your clipboard!