Abstract

The rat popliteal node graft-vs-host reaction (GvHR) has provided an assay for 11 immunosuppressive agents. GvHR inhibition measured immune suppression while body weight change measured toxicity. A minimum of three data points established each linear dose-response curve. The dose associated with stable body weight was then divided by the 50% inhibition dose as a therapeutic ratio in order to rank the various agents. The major emphasis was statistical analysis of reproducible data for comparison of individual drugs and for study of drug interaction in future combinations. The GvHR is a substantial immunological response, comparable to skin allograft rejection in regard to drug dose needed for suppression.