Abstract:
The central role of the neuroimmuno-endocrine regulation loop in
cyclosporine-related disorders suggests that this pathway could be targeted to reduce the side effects of
the drug.
Objectives: We investigated the potential of sound conditioning to mimic the effects of
cyclosporine on male rats immunostimulated with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG).
Methods: Animals were administered cyclosporine (20 mg/kg) alone or associated with sound
noise for eight days, followed by injections of BCG on day 9 and a reminder on day 27.
Results and discussion: Our results show that intraperitoneal injection of cyclosporine alone
caused a significant decrease in testosteronemia associated with a drop in body weight, as previously
reported. Interestingly, sound conditioning alone also caused a significant decrease in testosteronemia
and body weight, mimicking the effects of cyclosporine. However, cyclosporine and sound conditioning
combined did not enhance this effect. Conversely, both cyclosporine and sound conditioning caused a
significant increase in adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), suggesting that sound conditioning could
be used as a non-pharmacological alternative to cyclosporine.
Conclusion: This study provides a proof of concept that sound conditioning could be used to
modulate the neuroimmuno-endocrine regulation loop and reduce the side effects of
immunosuppressive drugs
