2015 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

Low-dose aspirin given with cyclosporine creates the same degree of T-cell cytokine suppression as does cyclosporine alone, suggesting that the two drugs can be used concurrently without altering cyclosporine's immunosuppressive effects. High dose aspirin also suppresses T-cell IL-2 expression, although suppression is not as marked as that seen with cyclosporine. Cyclosporine also significantly decreases Treg numbers in dogs. Since low Treg numbers have been associated with immune-mediated diseases, our findings suggest that the effects of cyclosporine on the canine immune system may be more complex than immunosuppression alone.