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Decreased Immunoglobulin A Concentrations in Feces, Duodenum, and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Dogs with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Article first published online: 6 DEC 2012
DOI: 10.1111/jvim.12023
Copyright © 2012 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Issue
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Additional Information(Show All)
- This study was presented in part at the 2012 ACVIM Forum, New Orleans, LA
Background
Although immunoglobulin A (IgA) plays a key role in regulating gut homeostasis, its role in canine inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is unknown.Hypothesis
IgA expression may be altered in dogs with IBD, unlike that observed in healthy dogs and dogs with other gastrointestinal diseases.Animals
Thirty-seven dogs with IBD, 10 dogs with intestinal lymphoma, and 20 healthy dogs.Methods
Prospective study. IgA and IgG concentrations in serum, feces, and duodenal samples were measured by ELISA. IgA+ cells in duodenal lamina propria and IgA+ CD21+ peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were examined by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry, respectively. Duodenal expression of the IgA-inducing cytokine transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), B cell activating factor (BAFF), and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) was quantified by real-time RT-PCR.Results
Compared to healthy dogs, dogs with IBD had significantly decreased concentrations of IgA in fecal and duodenal samples. The number of IgA+ CD21+ PBMCs and IgA+ cells in duodenal lamina propria was significantly lower in dogs with IBD than in healthy dogs or dogs with intestinal lymphoma. Duodenal BAFF and APRIL mRNA expression was significantly higher in IBD dogs than in the healthy controls. Duodenal TGF-β mRNA expression was significantly lower in dogs with IBD than in healthy dogs and dogs with intestinal lymphoma.Conclusions and Clinical Importance
IBD dogs have decreased IgA concentrations in feces and duodenum and fewer IgA+ PBMCs, which might contribute to development of chronic enteritis in dogs with IBD.