SAIM Resident Michigan State University East Lansing, MI, United States
Title: Evaluation of immune system components in dogs with protein-losing enteropathy versus healthy controls Abstract:
Background: Immune system abnormalities including hypogammaglobulinemia and T-cell deficiency have been described in humans with protein-losing enteropathy (PLE). It is unknown whether similar deficiencies exist in dogs with PLE.
Objective: To evaluate serum immunoglobulin(Ig) concentrations and immune cell populations in a group of dogs with PLE (secondary to chronic inflammatory enteropathy, intestinal lymphangiectasia, or both) compared to healthy controls (HC). Animals: 18 dogs with PLE and 18 HC dogs.
Methods: Prospective study. Dogs with a history of glucocorticoid or immunosuppressive drug administration in the previous 28 days were excluded. Serum IgA, IgG, and IgM levels were measured in well-characterized PLE dogs and compared to HC dogs. Flow cytometric analysis of T- and B-cells was planned but unable to be performed due to insufficient cell numbers in PLE dogs. Thus, RNA gene expression of cell surface markers in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was measured by quantitative PCR.
Results: Serum IgG (P < .001) and IgM (P= .002) concentrations were lower in PLE dogs compared to HC. Serum IgA concentrations were correlated with age in PLE dogs (P= .008). Additionally, PLE dogs had reduced expression of CD3e (P < .001), CD5 (P < .001), and CD8 (P= .007), while expression of CD4 and CD21 did not differ between groups. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Dogs with treatment-naïve PLE have evidence of immunodeficiency. While it is unknown if this represents a cause or consequence of disease, this baseline state of immunodeficiency should be taken into consideration in the management of dogs with PLE.
