Immunologic Studies in Cimetidine-Induced Nephropathy and Polymyositis

Authors:
  • AWAlan J. S. Watson
    Alan J. S. Watson
  • MDMilton H. Dalbow
    Milton H. Dalbow
  • ISIrene Stachura
    Irene Stachura
  • JFJorge A. Fragola
    Jorge A. Fragola
  • MRMario F. Rubin
    Mario F. Rubin
  • RWRosemarie M. Watson
    Rosemarie M. Watson
  • EBEdmund Bourke
    Edmund Bourke
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Abstract
CIMETIDINE is a histamine H2-receptor antagonist that is among the most widely prescribed drugs in the United States. In addition to its inhibitory action on gastric acid secretion, a possible role as an immunomodulator has been suggested.1 , 2 Isolated reports have also suggested an occasional association between cimetidine administration and polymyositis3 or interstitial nephritis,4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 both of which appear to represent disorders of immunoregulation.12 13 14 We report on a patient in whom polymyositis and acute interstitial nephritis followed the institution of cimetidine therapy. Using monoclonal antibodies, we found a marked increase in the proportion of cytotoxic/suppressor T lymphocytes in the peripheral . . .

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