Histologic characteristics and local cellular immunity of the gland of the third eyelid after topical ophthalmic administration of 2% cyclosporine for treatment of dogs with keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of topical administration of a 2% solution of cyclosporine (CsA) for treatment of dogs with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) and to correlate results with histopathologic characteristics and local cellular immunity of the gland of the third eyelid.


METHODS
24 dogs with bilateral KCS.


METHODS
Lacrimal secretion was measured, using Schirmer tear test (STT) strips. Leukocyte and T-lymphocyte subsets were determined in blood samples. Histopathologic changes as well as CD4+, CD8+, and alpha-naphthyl-acetate esterase-positive (ANAE+) lymphocytes were evaluated.


RESULTS
Clinical signs resolved at the end of 1 month in conjunction with significantly increased STT values, compared with baseline values. Fifteen and 30 days after discontinuation of CsA treatment, a decrease was observed in STT values in both eyes; however, only values for the right eye were significantly different. There was a significant decrease in the number of lymphocytes and ANAE+ lymphocytes 15 and 30 days after discontinuation of CsA treatment, compared with baseline values. Differences were not observed in number of CD4+ lymphocytes among treatment groups. However, there was a significant decrease in number of CD8+ lymphocytes with reversal of the CD4+:CD8+ in both eyes after CsA treatment for 30 days, compared with the control group. Increased secretory activity and decreased lymphocyte infiltration were characteristic histopathologic findings.


CONCLUSIONS
Topical administration of a 2% solution of CsA was effective for the treatment of dogs with KCS. Strict follow-up monitoring is required after the cessation of treatment because of the possibility of recurrence of KCS.
Izci
Celal
C
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Selcuk, Konya, Turkey.
Celik
Ilhami
I
Alkan
Fahrettin
F
Ogurtan
Zeki
Z
Ceylan
Cengiz
C
Sur
Emrah
E
Ozkan
Yasemin
Y
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000818:Animals; D001706:Biopsy / Q000662:veterinary; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007638:Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D018655:Lymphocyte Count / Q000662:veterinary; D016131:Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D009283:Naphthol AS D Esterase / Q000097:blood; D009541:Nictitating Membrane / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D011897:Random Allocation; D013666:Tears / Q000378:metabolism
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016572:Cyclosporine; D009283:Naphthol AS D Esterase