Pharmacology: Profiles, parameters, interpretations, and drug interactions

Although knowledge concerning CsA pharmacology has expanded since the last CsA Congress in 1983, many of the same questions remain and many new questions are being asked. Examples of the questions that have not been answered include 'what is the most appropriate biologic fluid (whole blood v serum/plasma) or assay method (HPLC v RIA) for monitoring CsA concentration?' With the advent of HPLC assays that can measure CsA metabolites in biologic fluids, new questions include 'do CsA metabolites contribute significantly to either immunosuppression or renal toxicity?' Or, 'what is the role of the newly introduced immunoassays?' It is encouraging to note the continued interest in CsA pharmacology. It is hoped that present and future studies will provide answers to some of these questions.