TY - JOUR T1 - Ribavirin potentiates the efficacy and toxicity of 2',3'- dideoxyinosine in the murine acquired immunodeficiency syndrome model. JF - Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics JO - J Pharmacol Exp Ther SP - 1009 LP - 1017 VL - 279 IS - 2 AU - P Harvie AU - R F Omar AU - N Dusserre AU - N Lansac AU - A Désormeaux AU - P Gourde AU - M Simard AU - M Tremblay AU - D Beauchamp AU - M G Bergeron Y1 - 1996/11/01 UR - http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/279/2/1009.abstract N2 - The efficacy and toxicity of ribavirin (25 or 125 mg/kg/day), 2',3'-dideoxyinosine (ddI) (200 mg/kg/day) and a combination of both drugs at these doses given for 6 weeks were investigated in the murine acquired immunodeficiency syndrome model. Our results showed a significant protection against splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy and hypergammaglobulinemia in mice treated with ribavirin at 25 mg/kg/day alone or in combination with ddI at 200 mg/kg/day. A good synergistic effect was observed with the drug combination, whereas ddI alone (200 mg/kg/day) did not give any protection. Ribavirin/ddI combination protected against the loss of CD8 T cells in spleen and restored the capacity of splenocytes to proliferate after activation with a mitogenic agent. Moreover, the drug combination resulted in a protection of the spleen and cervical lymph node architectures and a regression of germinal centers. Hematotoxicity appeared at a dose of 125 mg/kg of ribavirin alone and increased when used concomitantly with ddI. In conclusion, ribavirin and ddI at low doses are synergistic and effective in the murine acquired immunodeficiency disease model, but at high doses they are toxic. ER -