FK 506 modulates D-galactosamine-induced hepatitis in rats.

THE immunosuppressive agent FK 506 has been investigated for its adverse effects on the liver, kidney, and the pancreas. I FK 506, however, has multiple biological effects which may be beneficial for the liver. For instance, pretreatment of rats with FK 506 has been shown to both protect the liver from ischemic injury2 and to ameliorate the hepatic injury associated with ischemia and reperfusion in rats. 3 Other immunomodulators having different chemical structures have been shown to exhibit similar hepatoprotective effects with different types of hepatic injury.4-6 The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of FK 506 pretreatment on D-galactosamine-induced hepatitis.