2017 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

Cannabidiol appears to be well tolerated in dogs. Exposure is proportional to dose and oil formulation provides more favorable PK. These results provide a framework for future efficacy studies of CBD in dogs. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is the prodrug of mycophenolic acid (MPA), a potent immunosuppressive agent. MPA inhibits inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), an enzyme in the de novo purine nucleotide synthesis pathway. Lymphocytes lack a purine salvage pathway as an alternative source of nucleotides, and are therefore especially susceptible to the effects of MPA. MMF is reported to inhibit both B and T cell proliferation. MMF was originally developed for use in human transplant patients but, since inexpensive generic versions have become available, the drug has become popular in veterinary medicine for the treatment of immune-mediated disorders in dogs. While it has been assumed that MMF will have effects in dogs that are similar to established effects in humans, to date very limited data are available regarding the effects of MPA on canine lymphocytes.