Abstract
Twenty-five dogs with signs of atopic dermatitis were included in this study. Additionally, 10 healthy dogs were chosen as healthy skin controls. Skin biopsy specimens were taken from these dogs and evaluated for the following cells: basal cell layer including the number of mitotic figures in this layer, spinous cell layer, macrophages, melanocytes, mast cells and dendritic cells. Identification of mast cells and dendritic cells was performed by means of immunohistochemistry. Histological and statistical investigations showed that the number of mitotic figures in the basal cell layer as well as the number of mast cells, melanocytes, dendritic cells and macrophages was significantly higher in the skin of dogs with atopic dermatitis compared to the healthy dogs (p< 0.01). This finding indicates multilateral quantitative activation within the cellular elements of the skin immune system. Furthermore, marked morphological heterogeneity and distinct degranulation patterns observed among mast cells in atopic skin points to their significant functional activation and confirms that canine atopic dermatitis is still notably a mast cell-dependent disease.
Highlights
In the past 10 years, it has been observed that allergic diseases are becoming increasingly frequent both in animals and human beings
Skin biopsy specimens were taken from these dogs and evaluated for the following cells: basal cell layer including the number of mitotic figures in this layer, spinous cell layer, macrophages, melanocytes, mast cells and dendritic cells
Histological and statistical investigations showed that the number of mitotic figures in the basal cell layer as well as the number of mast cells, melanocytes, dendritic cells and macrophages was significantly higher in the skin of dogs with atopic dermatitis compared to the healthy dogs (p < 0.01)
Summary
In the past 10 years, it has been observed that allergic diseases are becoming increasingly frequent both in animals and human beings. Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common canine allergic skin diseases and one of the most difficult to diagnose and treat. It has been estimated that up to 10-15% of the canine population and up to 15% of people are affected with atopy (Nagle et al 2001) It seems to be a problem of civilization connected with rising environmental pollution. Mast cells as a very important cellular element of the skin immune system have been intensively studied in the context of allergic diseases including atopy for years. Their main biological role has been commonly connected with anaphylactic reactions.
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