von Willebrand factor is present in the vascular endothelium from normal dogs and from Doberman pinscher dogs with a plasma von Willebrand factor deficiency.
An immunohistochemical study was undertaken to determine the presence and distribution of von Willebrand factor antigen (vWf:Ag) in blood vessels from normal dogs and from Doberman pinscher dogs with a marked plasma deficiency of vWf. vWf:Ag could not be detected in plasma from the Doberman pinscher dogs by ristocetin- and botrocetin-induced platelet agglutination or by EIA. An ELISA assay revealed vWf:Ag levels that were between 2-4% of that in normal canine plasma. Factor VIII:C activity was 30-46% of normal. The activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was increased but not the one-stage prothrombin time (OSPT). Four different antibody preparations were used in this study to detect vWf--a monoclonal and a polyclonal antibody prepared against human vWf and 2 polyclonal antibodies against canine vWf. vWf:Ag was detected with monospecific antibody in endothelial cells in veins, venules, and arterioles from normal dogs and vWf-deficient dogs. The histofluorescence observed in vessels of vWf-deficient dogs was indistinguishable from that observed in vessels from normal dogs.
Department of Veterinary and Comparative Anatomy, Pharmacology and Physiology College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman 99164-6520.
K M
KM
Meyers
K J
KJ
Wardrop
C
C
Helmick
F
F
White
D000818:Animals; D000906:Antibodies / Q000276:immunology; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000097:blood* / Q000473:pathology; D004285:Dogs; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006490:Hemostatics / Q000378:metabolism; D014842:von Willebrand Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D014841:von Willebrand Factor / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*
D000906:Antibodies; D006490:Hemostatics; D014841:von Willebrand Factor