T-helper 1, T-helper 2 and immunosuppressive cytokines in canine atopic dermatitis.
Atopic dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin disease of humans and dogs. Human atopic dermatitis is associated with T-helper (Th) 2 type responses, although Th1 cytokines are present in chronic lesions. This study used semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reactions to determine the expression of gene transcripts for immunosuppressive cytokines (transforming growth factor beta [TGFbeta] and interleukin [IL]-10), Th2 type cytokines (IL-4 and IL-6) and Th1 type cytokines (interferon gamma [IFNgamma], tumour necrosis factor alpha [TNFalpha], IL-2 and IL-12) in lesional atopic, non-lesional atopic and healthy canine skin. Canine atopic dermatitis was associated with over-expression of IL-4 mRNA and reduced transcription of TGFbeta compared to healthy skin (ANOVA, p<0.05). Higher levels of IFNgamma, TNFalpha and IL-2 mRNA were seen in lesional compared to non-lesional and healthy skin (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in IL-10, IL-6 or IL-12 transcription. This is the first report to demonstrate that canine atopic dermatitis is associated with over-production of IL-4 and under expression of TGFbeta.
Nuttall
T J
TJ
Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, University of Edinburgh Hospital for Small Animals, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK. timn@vet.ed.ac.uk
Knight
P A
PA
McAleese
S M
SM
Lamb
J R
JR
Hill
P B
PB
D000818:Animals; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000276:immunology / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000276:immunology*; D004285:Dogs; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000235:genetics; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000235:genetics; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000235:genetics
D016207:Cytokines; D007376:Interleukin-2; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D015847:Interleukin-4