Abstract
Rottweilers are predisposed to eosinophilic diseases, including hypereosinophilic syndrome. The immunopathogenesis of idiopathic eosinophilia is poorly characterised in dogs and man. Studies in people have suggested cytokines, particularly interleukin (IL)-5, play a role in instigating and perpetuating eosinophilia. This study sought to establish whether differences in gene expression, and concentration of selected, cytokines and chemokines were associated with eosinophilia in Rottweilers. Quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assays were used to quantify messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) encoding cytokines IL-4, -5, -10, -12p19, -12p35, -12p40, -18, interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and chemokines eotaxin-2 and -3 from peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PMBC) samples obtained from healthy dogs (breeds other than Rottweiler) with normal eosinophil blood counts (n = 5) and Rottweilers with normal (n = 6), mildly increased (n = 7) and high (n = 3) eosinophil blood counts. Quantification of plasma IFN-γ and IL-5 was performed using commercially available canine-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays ELISAs. Cytokine mRNA was measurable in all samples, although eotaxin-2 and -3 were not detected. No significant differences in gene expression of any cytokine were found between groups (based on eosinophil count or breed). No significant difference in plasma IL-5 or IFN-γ concentration was present between groups. In conclusion, there were no significant differences in cytokine mRNA profiles or plasma IL-5 and IFN-γ levels between Rottweilers with increased eosinophil counts and Rottweiler and non-Rottweiler dogs with normal eosinophil counts.
Highlights
Eosinophils play an important role in innate immunity, inflammation and homeostatic host responses in dogs [1]
This study sought to establish whether differences in gene expression, and concentration of selected, cytokines and chemokines were associated with eosinophilia in Rottweilers
Quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assays were used to quantify messenger ribonucleic acid encoding cytokines IL-4, -5, -10, -12p19, -12p35, -12p40, -18, interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and chemokines eotaxin-2 and -3 from peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PMBC) samples obtained from healthy dogs with normal eosinophil blood counts (n = 5) and Rottweilers with normal (n = 6), mildly increased (n = 7) and high (n = 3) eosinophil blood counts
Summary
Eosinophils play an important role in innate immunity, inflammation and homeostatic host responses in dogs [1]. Eosinophils respond to different stimuli, parasitic infection, where their cellular products can be protective to the host [3]. Exuberant release of cellular products by eosinophils can contribute to tissue damage, in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts [4,5]. Idiopathic eosinophilic diseases (or eosinophilic infiltration in the absence of an identifiable parasitic or allergic trigger) have been described in multiple breeds such as German shepherd dogs, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes and Rottweilers [3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11]. It has been postulated that Rottweilers may have an exaggerated response to allergic stimuli or parasite exposure [4,12]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
