Immune responses to dietary antigens in gluten-sensitive enteropathy of Irish setters.
This study examined whether increased intestinal permeability in Irish setters with gluten-sensitive enteropathy was associated with altered immune responses to ingested antigens, and whether a humoral immune response to gluten is involved in the pathogenesis of the condition. Affected setters reared on a wheat-containing diet were compared with littermates reared on a cereal-free diet and age-matched control setters. Measurement of serum immunoglobulins revealed increased serum IgA concentrations in affected dogs. Antibody responses to a variety of dietary antigens were measured by ELISA. Antibody levels to ovalbumin, collagen I and II and soya were not significantly different from normal dogs. Anti-gliadin antibody concentrations were lower in affected dogs than controls, and correlated with immune complex formation as assessed by C1q binding. The study suggested a modified immune response in dogs with increased intestinal permeability, although there was no major systemic antibody response to dietary antigens.
Hall
E J
EJ
Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Liverpool.
Carter
S D
SD
Barnes
A
A
Batt
R M
RM
D000818:Animals; D000906:Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D000941:Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D015153:Blotting, Western / Q000662:veterinary; D002446:Celiac Disease / Q000276:immunology / Q000662:veterinary*; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000276:immunology*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000276:immunology*; D004285:Dogs; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel / Q000662:veterinary; D005983:Glutens / Q000276:immunology*; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism; D010539:Permeability
D000906:Antibodies; D000941:Antigens; D004044:Dietary Proteins; D005983:Glutens