Immunosuppressive Regimen for Transplant Models

The following immunosuppressive drugs were used to suppress the immune system of the animals: Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) powder for infusion (20mg/kg) (CellCept, Roche, Woerden, The Netherlands), tacrolimus concentrate for infusion (5 mg/ml) (Prograft, Astellas Pharma BV, Leiderdorp, The Netherlands) and oral solution of prednisolone sodium phosphate (5 mg/ml) (Hospital Pharmacy, UMCN St Radboud, Nijmegen, The Netherlands). This regimen is similar to the immunosuppressive treatment of patients undergoing solid organ transplantation. To prevent opportunistic infections, all animals received an antibiotic prophylaxis of amoxicillin supplemented with oral suspension of clavulanic acid (250 mg and 62.5 mg per 5 mL, respectively) (Pharmachemie BV, Haarlem, The Netherlands). Oseltamivir phosphate (OSP; 10mg/Kg) was added to the regimes of ferrets receiving antiviral therapy and was provided by Hoffman-La Roche LtD. (Tamiflu, Basel, Switzerland). Preparation of the drugs was done as previous described [5 (link)].