bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
P‐9  CD8 and CD4 lymphocyte populations in blood from healthy dogs and dogs naturally infected with Ehrlichia canis
Authors: Lorente‐méndez C. , Sainz A. , Tesouro M. A. 
Published: August 2004

The purpose of this study was to assess the presence of an immune dysregulation in dogs naturally infected with Ehrlichia canis. We compared CD4 and CD8 lymphocyte populations in a group of dogs with ehrlichiosis and a group of healthy dogs. Thirty‐seven dogs with natural canine ehrlichiosis (Group A) and 15 unaffected dogs (Group B) were included in the study. The study of lymphocyte populations was made by flow cytometry. Monoclonal antibodies against CD3, CD4 and CD8 were used. Results obtained in this study show an inversion in the CD4:CD8 ratio in the blood of dogs with ehrlichiosis when compared with the CD4:CD8 ratio in blood from control dogs. In healthy dogs, the number of CD4 T lymphocytes was greater than CD8 T lymphocytes. However, in dogs with ehrlichiosis, the number of CD8 T lymphocytes was greater than CD4 T lymphocytes. The percentage of CD4 T lymphocytes was lower in dogs with ehrlichiosis than in healthy dogs, but significant differences were not found between both groups. However, mean value of the percentage of CD8 T lymphocytes (with respect to lymphocyte population) in dogs with ehrlichiosis (45.81 ± 20.90%) was significantly higher (P = 0.001) than in healthy dogs (25.41 ± 13.63%). These results confirm the presence of an alteration in the T lymphocyte subpopulations of dogs with ehrlichiosis, suggesting the presence of an immune dysregulation. Funding: Self‐funded.
FC‐1  Comparative efficacy of lufenuron and itraconazole in a guinea pig model of cutaneous Microsporum canis
Authors: Van Gestel J. F. E. , Engelen M. A. C. M. 
Published: August 2004

During the last few years, reports have appeared claiming that lufenuron diminished or even cured dermatophyte infections in cats and dogs. As these observations have a rather anecdotal character leading to some ambiguity in the literature, it was decided to test lufenuron in a generally accepted animal model for dermatomycotic infection. The test was carried out in guinea pigs artificially infected with Microsporum canis on scarified dorsal skin and orally treated with lufenuron (Program™). The efficacy of up to five doses of 80 mg/kg was assessed 7 and 14 days after the start of treatment. All animals failed to show any improvement in skin lesions as compared to the vehicle‐only treated animals. Clinical symptoms taken into account were scaling, crust formation, erythema, and exudation. Neither the number of treatments (one or five) nor the dose range (40 or 80 mg/kg) made any difference. Itraconazole, tested earlier under identical circumstances, resulted in a clear and consistent improvement at day 7 of the infection at a dose of 15 mg/kg, given either in one dose or spread over several days. The absence of antimycotic activity of lufenuron in this established animal model constitutes a significant element in the discussion on the antifungal potency of lufenuron and supports the fact that there is, as yet, no evidence that benzoylphenyl urea derivative compounds have an effect on chitin synthesis in fungi. Funding: J&J Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Janssen Animal Health.
FC‐2  The role of endogenous protein inhibitors of dermatophyte proteolytic activity
Authors: Drobnič‐košorok M. , Mihelčič D. , Premrov B. , Zdovc I. , Zrimšek P. , Popovič T. 
Published: August 2004

Microsporum canis and Trichophyton mentagrophytes produce different proteolytic enzymes necessary for their growth and progression. In general, enzymatic activity can be tightly regulated by various mechanisms, of which endogenous inhibitors are of great importance. Considering the fact that an imbalance between proteases and their inhibitors has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases, the aim of our work was to investigate the production and role of protease inhibitors produced by fungi. Both dermatophytes were demonstrated to produce protein as well as low‐molecular‐weight inhibitors of different proteases. Protein inhibitors were isolated from culture medium and cytosolic extracts obtained from mechanically disintegrated mycelia by affinity chromatography on CM‐Sepharose 4B or by HPLC separation in the case of low‐molecular‐weight inhibitors. The size of the purified proteins was analysed by SDS‐PAGE, and their immunogenic properties by immunoblotting. Their inhibitory properties were determined by inhibition of trypsin, papain, and cathepsins B and L. Temperature and pH stability of the low‐molecular‐weight inhibitors was established as well. From our data, it is evident that both protein and low‐molecular‐weight inhibitors of cysteine proteases have been isolated from dermatophyte fungi. Our data represent the basis for further studies of the role of cysteine protease inhibitors in the pathogenesis of dermatophytoses and their influence on the host immune response. Funding: Ministry of Education, Science and Sport, Republic of Slovenia.
FC‐3  Immunity to bovine trichophytosis
Authors: Faldyna M. , Krejčí J. , Obořilová E. , Rybnikář A. 
Published: August 2004

Bovine trichophytosis is a mycotic cutaneous disease caused mainly by the dermatophyte Trichophyton verrucosum. Cell‐mediated immunity (CMI) is reported to play a crucial role in defense against the disease. The objective of this study was to investigate the immune response developed after administration of a vaccine containing a live immunogenic culture of T. verrucosum. For the detection of CMI, we used an antigen‐specific lymphocyte proliferation test measured by both 3H‐thymidine incorporation and flow cytometry, and specific antigen‐induced production of IFNγ. We also tested specific antibody production by an indirect ELISA test. After vaccination by either the subcutaneous, intramuscular, or intradermal route, animals developed solid in vitro CMI 1 month after revaccination. CD4+ lymphocytes were the basic cell population activated by Trichophyton antigen in vitro. IgM and IgG antibody responses were detected from postvaccination days 3 and 7, respectively. Animals expressing higher levels of CMI displayed higher ratios of IgG2:IgG1 (a Th1 pattern of immune response). Using the challenge test, protection was higher after intramuscular > subcutaneous >intradermal routes of administration. We conclude that administration of a vaccine containing a live immunogenic culture of T. verrucosum leads to the development of protective immunity against bovine trichophytosis, and that the results of our laboratory tests correlated well with the results of challenge tests. Funding: Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic.
FC‐4  Canine serum immunoreactivity to Malassezia pachydermatis is influenced by the phase of growth in vitro
Authors: Habibah A. , Catchpole B. , Bond R. 
Published: August 2004

Western immunoblotting studies of canine sera using Malassezia pachydermatis extracts have shown that infected dogs commonly have antibodies that recognize multiple antigens. However, reported patterns of immunoreactivity vary between different laboratories. Since culture duration influences the antigenic composition of lipid‐dependent Malassezia when probed with human sera, we investigated whether the in vitro growth phase of M. pachydermatis influences immunoreactivity to canine sera. Extracts of M. pachydermatis CBS1879 grown in Sabouraud's liquid medium at 37°C for 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 days were prepared by mechanical disruption, centrifugation, dialysis and lyophilization. Yeast growth phase was assessed by sequential colony counts and optical density measurements. Patterns of IgG immunoreactivity in high (n = 3) and low (n = 3) titre sera were compared using extracts prepared at each time point by SDS‐PAGE and western immunoblotting. Protein bands of 62 and 49 kDa were recognized by all sera, and five sera recognized 98 and 68 kDa bands. Proteins of 188, 66, 58, 57, 38, 28 and 17 kDa were only recognized by high titre sera. All high titre sera recognized more bands in exponential phase (day 2) extracts when compared with decline phase (days 8–10) extracts, and two of these sera showed most bands in stationary phase (days 4–6) extracts. Bands of 62 and 57 kDa were primarily detected in exponential and early stationary phase extracts. Antigenic variation in extracts of M. pachydermatis prepared during different growth phases might explain discrepancies between previous laboratory studies of immunity to this yeast. Funding: Government of Malaysia.
FC‐5  Unsaturated transferrin inhibits the growth of Malassezia pachydermatis in vitro
Authors: Bond R. , Kim J. Y. 
Published: August 2004

Transferrin, an iron‐binding protein that transports iron to mammalian cells, may contribute to innate immunity to fungal pathogens, primarily by limiting microbial access to iron. We investigated whether unsaturated (apo)‐transferrin had an inhibitory effect in vitro on Malassezia pachydermatis, an important opportunistic cutaneous yeast pathogen of dogs. M. pachydermatis strains were grown at 32°C in medium containing canine or bovine apo‐transferrin at concentrations of 0.7, 1.3, 2.7 and 5.3 mg/mL. Optical density (OD492) was measured daily until growth was stationary (day 6) in saline‐control wells and then compared between treatments by ANOVA and Tukey's tests. Bovine and canine transferrin inhibited (P < 0.01) yeast growth at all concentrations tested. Using bovine transferrin, the mean OD ± SE for 10 strains were: saline, 0.55 ± 0.19; 0.7 mg/mL, 0.33 ± 0.05; 1.3 mg/mL, 0.18 ± 0.03; 2.7 mg/mL, 0.18 ± 0.04; 5.3 mg/mL, 0.16 ± 0.03. Using canine transferrin, the mean OD ± SE for seven strains were: saline, 0.79 ± 0.03; 0.7 mg/mL, 0.37 ± 0.07; 1.3 mg/mL, 0.27 ± 0.04; 2.7 mg/mL, 0.24 ± 0.03; 5.3 mg/mL, 0.20 ± 0.03. For both bovine and canine transferrin, inhibition by 5.3 mg/mL exceeded (P < 0.05) that of 0.7 mg/mL. Since both bovine and canine apo‐transferrin inhibit the growth of M. pachydermatis in vitro, serum transferrin may contribute to innate immunity to M. pachydermatis indogs and cattle. The spongiotic dermatitis reaction seen histologically in many dogs with Malassezia dermatitis may promote the accumulation of transferrin at infection sites. Funding: Self‐funded.
FC‐6  Four isoforms of exfoliative toxin produced by Staphylococcus hyicus abolished immunofluorescence for desmoglein 1 in pig skin
Authors: Nishifuji K. , Fudaba Y. , Yamaguchi T. , Andresen L. O. , Amagai M. , Sugai M. , Iwasaki T. 
Published: August 2004

Exudative epidermitis is an acute, often fatal skin disease in piglets caused by infection with Staphylococcus hyicus. Clinical and histopathological manifestations of exudative epidermitis are similar to those of a human blistering skin disease, staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, in which cleavage of desmoglein (Dsg) 1 by exfoliative toxins produced by S. aureus results in blister formation in the upper part of the epidermis. The aim of this study was to determine whether the four types of exfoliative toxin produced by S. hyicus (ExhA, ExhB, ExhC and ExhD) are able to affect swine Dsg1. We first generated recombinant toxins of ExhA, ExhB, ExhC and ExhD by an E. coli expression system. To determine the pathogenic activity of these recombinant toxins, we injected them subcutaneously into 3‐ to 4‐week‐old piglets. After administration of all four recombinant toxins, local exfoliations developed at the inoculation sites of the piglets’ skin at 21–48 h postinjection. To further assess whether these Exhs affect swine Dsg1, we incubated cryosectioned pig skin with Exhs in vitro and subsequently stained Dsg1 and Dsg3 by immunofluorescence with human pemphigus foliaceus sera and anti‐Dsg3 monoclonal antibody (5H10), respectively. The cell surface staining of Dsg1 was abolished by incubation with any of the four isoforms of Exh, whereas that of Dsg3 was not affected at all. These findings indicate that all four types of exfoliative toxin produced by S. hyicus (ExhA, ExhB, ExhC and ExhD) can cause skin exfoliation in pigs with exudative epidermitis, presumably by digestion of Dsg1. Funding: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan.
FC‐7  Acral mutilation and analgesia due to hereditary sensory neuropathy in 13 French spaniels
Authors: Paradis M. , De Jaham C. , Pagé N. , Sauvé F. , Hélie P. 
Published: August 2004

The purpose of this study was to describe a new hereditary sensory neuropathy in French spaniels resulting in analgesia and progressive mutilation of the distal extremities. Thirteen French spaniels (six females, seven males) from five different litters with acral mutilation were identified. Clinical signs were first noted between 3.5 and 12 months of age and typically consisted of sudden excessive and intense licking and biting of toes and/or footpads of one or several feet. This generally progressed rapidly into swollen digits, paronychia, footpad ulceration, and occasionally fracture and osteomyelitis. If the affected dogs were unrestrained, auto‐amputation of claws, toes and footpads usually resulted. However, even in the more severe cases, affected dogs walked and ran on their mutilated feet without any evidence of lameness, pain or ataxia, and they allowed wound care without evidence of pain or discomfort. Dogs were otherwise healthy, with the exception of frequent secondary bacterial infections of the wounded feet. This disorder was clinically very difficult to manage, and the majority of the dogs were euthanized within days to months of diagnosis. None of the sires or dams of the affected dogs reported here were clinically affected. There was no apparent sex predilection. An autosomal recessive mode of inheritance was strongly suspected. The clinicopathological findings, the early age of onset and the disease progression in affected French spaniels were very similar to those reported for hereditary sensory neuropathy in German short‐haired pointers, English pointers and English springer spaniels. Funding: Self‐funded.
FC‐8  Microarray analysis of differential gene expression between genetically normal, heterozygous and homozygous affected Norfolk terrier dogs with a heritable keratin 10 defect
Authors: Barnhart K. F. , Credille K. M. , Dunstan R. W. 
Published: August 2004

A heritable cornification defect resulting from a keratin 10 mutation has been identified in Norfolk terrier dogs. Affected dogs have marked scaling and hyperpigmentation, and develop erosions following mild trauma. The morphologic lesions are similar to epidermolytic hyperkeratosis in humans. The mutation is recessive, and heterozygous dogs lack cutaneous lesions. A diagnostic test for heterozygosity has been developed. Total RNA was extracted from 6‐mm skin biopsy samples from two genetically normal, two affected and two heterozygous dogs. Reverse transcription with P33‐labeled dCTP generated a cDNA probe that was hybridized to a commercially available cDNA array designed for dermatologic research. This array contained approximately 4400 human cDNAs, and cross‐hybridization strategies were developed to allow canine cDNA to hybridize to the membrane. The average background intensity was subtracted from the raw intensity value for each gene. Genes with a corrected value less than one were eliminated from further analysis. Each gene was then normalized to the median intensity of the remaining genes. A gene was considered upregulated or downregulated if its relative expression was greater than two or less than two, respectively. Fifty‐three genes were upregulated in both heterozygous and affected dogs over normal. Five genes were downregulated in affected dogs when compared to normal. No downregulated genes were identified in heterozygotes. No differential regulation was apparent between affected and heterozygous dogs. These results indicate that despite a normal phenotype, the decreased keratin 10 production associated with heterozygosity leads to many of the same alterations in gene expression identified in affected dogs. Funding: Morris Animal Foundation, AAVD Postdoctoral Fellowship.
FC‐9  Coat funk in Alaskan malamutes
Authors: Bloom P. B. , Jacobs J. , Dunstan R. W. 
Published: August 2004

The objective of this study was to determine if a condition called coat funk by Alaskan malamute breeders has clinical, microscopic, haematologic, serum chemistry, urine and/or hormonal changes that allow affected dogs to be distinguished from normal dogs. Alaskan malamute breeders provided five dogs that met the breed standard for a normal pelage and five dogs considered to have coat funk. All animals were given complete physical examinations, and skin biopsies were collected. In addition, clipped hair was examined by optical‐based fibre diameter analysis. The skin biopsy samples were analysed by descriptive and morphometric analyses. Complete blood counts, serum chemistry profiles, urinalyses, and endocrine evaluations (thyroid profiles, urine cortisol:creatinine ratios, somatomedin C levels, and pre‐ and post‐ACTH stimulation concentrations of cortisol and adrenal sex hormones) were performed on all dogs. Clinically, affected dogs had varying degrees of involvement of the dorsal neck, tail and trunk. This was the only consistent difference noted between normal and affected dogs. In spite of the detailed analyses used in this investigation, the procedures failed to always separate normal from affected dogs and precluded separating coat funk from other hair loss diseases of Alaskan malamutes. This could be due to the lack of real differences between the two groups, failure of the procedures to allow separation of the two groups, or small sample size. Larger numbers of dogs followed over time are needed to better define the clinical and microscopic features of this disease and its related hair loss. Funding: The Alaskan Malamute Club of America.
FC‐10  Adult‐onset hair loss in Chesapeake Bay retrievers: a clinical and histological study
Authors: Cerundolo R. , Mauldin E. , Goldschmidt M. , Lombardini S. , Refsal K. , Oliver J. 
Published: August 2004

Hair loss in Chesapeake Bay retrievers has been increasingly recognized by breeders in recent years. Anecdotal reports suggest an endocrine disorder or follicular dysplasia as the underlying cause, but no scientific study has been done to investigate the underlying problem. A prospective study was carried out in collaboration with the American Chesapeake Club. Affected dogs were recruited into the study. Routine dermatological and hormonal (blood and urine) tests, and skin biopsies were performed. Ten dogs (age 1.5–10 years), seven females (two spayed) and three males (two neutered), were included in the study. All dogs had mild or severe hair loss affecting the lateral ventral chest, flanks, rump and thighs. Affected dogs were clinically healthy. Hormonal tests revealed normal thyroid hormone panels, insulin‐like growth factor‐1 levels, and urinary cortisol:creatinine ratios in samples collected for ten consecutive days. In six of 10 dogs, an adrenal hormone panel showed slight or moderate increased values pre‐ and/or post‐ACTH stimulation of cortisol (three of six), 17‐hydroxyprogesterone (five of six), androstenedione (three of six), estradiol (two of six) and progesterone (six of six). The major histopathologic changes resembled canine flank alopecia and follicular dysplasia with pronounced infundibular hyperkeratosis, mild follicular atrophy, and occasional melanin clumping with dystrophic hair shafts. Chesapeake Bay retrievers suffer from a type of hair loss that is likely related to an abnormal production of adrenal sex hormone. Further studies are currently underway to determine if there is a heritable basis for this disease and to evaluate therapeutic options. Funding: University of Pennsylvania.
FC‐11  Histopathology of alopecia X
Authors: Rest J. R. , Lloyd D. H. , Cerundolo R. 
Published: August 2004

Dogs with endocrinopathy have been reported to have hair follicles with excessive trichilemmal keratinization (flame follicles). These follicles have been described in cases clinically diagnosed as hypothyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism, hyposomatotropism and sex hormone abnormality. Breed variation in the incidence of these follicles has also been described. Recently, endocrine alopecias have been better defined, and a number of these conditions (previously known as congenital adrenal hyperplasia, pseudo‐Cushing's disease, castration‐responsive dermatosis and adult‐onset hyposomatotropism) are now grouped under the name alopecia X. In this prospective study, a group of 24 spitz‐type dogs, which included 15 Pomeranians, had an extensive hormonal work‐up. This included thyroid and adrenocorticotrophic hormone stimulation tests and sex hormone assays. Histopathology of the skin specimens collected from alopecic and clinically normal skin indicated features common to many endocrinopathies such as surface and infundibular hyperkeratosis and comedone formation. However, catagenization with flame follicle formation was a prominent feature of skin specimens from 22 dogs. This feature was so marked in 20 of these specimens that it was considered to be diagnostic for alopecia X when the specimens were evaluated in a blinded manner. The other two specimens could not be differentiated reliably from hyperadrenocorticism. Histopathology is a useful diagnostic procedure to support a diagnosis of alopecia X in dogs. Funding: Self‐funded.
FC‐12  Diagnostic value of skin biopsy in feline symmetric alopecia
Authors: Bardagí M. , Fondevila D. , Ferrer L. L. , Fondati A. 
Published: August 2004

Feline symmetric alopecia (SA) is classified aetiologically as idiopathic or self‐induced, the latter due to allergic or psychogenic causes. It is characterized clinically by truncal alopecia not accompanied by skin lesions. Aetiology‐specific histopathological findings of SA have been reported. Idiopathic SA is characterised by follicular atrophy and telogenization, allergy‐induced alopecia by mild epidermal hyperplasia and superficial perivascular dermatitis (SPVD), and psychogenic‐induced alopecia by normal skin. The objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of histopathological examination to establish the aetiology of feline SA. Eighteen skin biopsies from cats with clinical histories suggestive of self‐induced SA were retrospectively evaluated. Nine control cats with normal hair and skin were included in the study. Sixty‐five per cent of 1230 and 72% of 1208 hair follicles evaluated in alopecic and control cats, respectively, were in the resting phase. Hairs and hair follicles with morphology resembling what is defined as trichomalacia in human trichotillomania were observed in two study cats. Mild epidermal hyperplasia was observed in two alopecic cats, and mild lymphocytic SPVD was present in 72% of alopecic and 66% of control cats, respectively. Results obtained in this study showed that high numbers of resting follicles are common in cats with normal hair and cats with self‐induced SA. Consequently, their presence cannot be considered a diagnostic criterion of idiopathic SA. In addition, because SPVD was common in normal feline skin, it might not be suggestive of allergy‐induced alopecia. Therefore, skin biopsy is not recommended to define the aetiology of feline SA. Funding: Self‐funded.