Influence of sex and age on serum total immunoglobulin E concentration in Beagles

Abstract

Abstract Objective To establish an ELISA for detection of serum total IgE concentration in dogs and to analyze IgE values in a dog colony. Animals 147 healthy Beagles (31 males and 116 females). Procedure 2 canine IgE-specific polyclonal antibodies elicited by 2 recombinant fragments of the epsilon chain in hens were used to develop a capture ELISA specific for serum total IgE concentration. The IgE values were calculated by comparing serum dose-response curves (1:50 to 1:6,400) with a reference serum pool assigned 100 relative ELISA units (REU). Results Mean IgE concentration in female Beagles was 51.2 REU (range, 0 to 337.8 REU; median, 31.4 REU), whereas mean IgE concentration in male dogs was only 7.5 REU (range, 0 to 32.6 REU; mean, 3.6 REU). Distribution of IgE values was skewed; approximately 80% of dogs had IgE values < 50 REU. Analysis of natural logarithmically transformed IgE values indicated that sex and age significantly (P < 0.05) influenced IgE values; mean serum IgE values increased until the age of 4 years. Heritability estimates of IgE concentration indicated a trend toward a genetic influence. Conclusion A reliable capture ELISA specific for canine IgE was developed. Serum total IgE values vary with age and sex in the sample population. Clinical Relevance Serum total IgE concentration can now be evaluated in various dog breeds and, subsequently, in dogs with IgE-mediated diseases provided that these significant influences are accounted for. Serum total IgE values may then prove to be of diagnostic value, similar to their use in human beings. (Am J Vet Res 1999;60:93–97)