1
|
Cain CL, White E, Citron LE, Zheng Q, Morris DO, Grice EA, Bradley CW. Longitudinal evaluation of the cutaneous and rectal microbiota of German shepherd dogs with perianal fistulas undergoing therapy with ciclosporin and ketoconazole. Vet Dermatol 2024; 35:375-385. [PMID: 38616572 DOI: 10.1111/vde.13249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perianal fistulas are painful ulcers or sinus tracts that disproportionately affect German shepherd dogs and are proposed as a spontaneous animal model of fistulising Crohn's disease. OBJECTIVES To characterise the rectal and cutaneous microbiota in German shepherd dogs with perianal fistulas and to investigate longitudinal shifts with lesion resolution during immunomodulatory therapy. ANIMALS Eleven German shepherd dogs with perianal fistulas and 15 healthy German shepherd dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Affected dogs were evaluated and swabbed at three visits, 30 days apart, while undergoing treatment with ciclosporin and ketoconazole. Healthy German shepherd dogs were contemporaneously sampled. Sites included the rectum, perianal skin and axilla. The microbiome was evaluated following sequencing of the V4 hypervariable region of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene. RESULTS Alpha diversity was not significantly different between healthy and affected dogs at each of the three body sites (p > 0.5), yet rectal and perianal beta diversities from affected dogs differed significantly from those of healthy dogs at Day 0 (p = 0.004). Rectal and perianal relative abundance of Prevotella spp. increased and perianal Staphylococcus spp. relative abundance decreased in affected dogs over time, coincident with lesion resolution. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Changes in lesional cutaneous and rectal microbiota occur in German shepherd dogs with perianal fistulas and shift over time with lesion resolution during immunomodulatory therapy. Further investigations of the role of cutaneous and enteric microbiota in the pathogenesis of perianal fistulas, and whether manipulation of microbial populations may ameliorate disease, are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine L Cain
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ellen White
- Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lindsey E Citron
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Qi Zheng
- Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Daniel O Morris
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Grice
- Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Charles W Bradley
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Harvey R, Horton H. Successful treatment of perianal fistulas in two dogs with oclacitinib. Vet Dermatol 2023; 34:483-486. [PMID: 37184056 DOI: 10.1111/vde.13171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Perianal fistula (PAF) formation in dogs is a frustrating and painful disease, occurring primarily in German shepherd dogs. Ciclosporin has become the recommended treatment of choice yet may be associated with numerous adverse effects. This case report describes the successful treatment of two cases of PAF with oclacitinib.
Collapse
|
3
|
Mackin AJ, Riggs C, Beatty T, Mealey K, Boothe D, Archer T. Excessive Cyclosporine-Associated Immunosuppression in a Dog Heterozygous for the MDR1 (ABCB1-1Δ) Mutation. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2020; 56:190. [PMID: 32182109 DOI: 10.5326/jaaha-ms-7004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Pharmacodynamic monitoring was used to titrate cyclosporine dosing in a dog with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. Development of a suspected secondary infection, with subsequent discovery of an unexpectedly high level of T-cell suppression despite a relatively low cyclosporine dose, prompted an investigation into the cause of possible excessive immunosuppression. Blood cyclosporine concentrations were within expected target ranges, and the dog was determined to be heterozygous for the multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1; ATP-binding cassette sub family B member 1-1Δ) gene mutation. The MDR1 mutation was suspected to have contributed to the excessive immunosuppression experienced by this patient. This case highlights the need to monitor immunosuppressive therapy in the individual patient, especially when the patient is not responding to therapy at typical dosages or when secondary infections develop at dosages lower than expected to cause significant immunosuppression. Pharmacodynamic monitoring can be used to help identify unexpected excessive immunosuppression in dogs receiving cyclosporine, and MDR1 genotyping should be further explored as a potential method of predicting and preventing its occurrence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Mackin
- From Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Starkville, Mississippi (A.J.M., C.R., T.A.); Garden Grove Animal Hospital, Winter Haven, Florida (T.B.); Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, Washington (K.M.); and Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, Alabama (D.B.)
| | - Caitlin Riggs
- From Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Starkville, Mississippi (A.J.M., C.R., T.A.); Garden Grove Animal Hospital, Winter Haven, Florida (T.B.); Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, Washington (K.M.); and Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, Alabama (D.B.)
| | - Todd Beatty
- From Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Starkville, Mississippi (A.J.M., C.R., T.A.); Garden Grove Animal Hospital, Winter Haven, Florida (T.B.); Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, Washington (K.M.); and Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, Alabama (D.B.)
| | - Katrina Mealey
- From Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Starkville, Mississippi (A.J.M., C.R., T.A.); Garden Grove Animal Hospital, Winter Haven, Florida (T.B.); Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, Washington (K.M.); and Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, Alabama (D.B.)
| | - Dawn Boothe
- From Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Starkville, Mississippi (A.J.M., C.R., T.A.); Garden Grove Animal Hospital, Winter Haven, Florida (T.B.); Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, Washington (K.M.); and Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, Alabama (D.B.)
| | - Todd Archer
- From Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Starkville, Mississippi (A.J.M., C.R., T.A.); Garden Grove Animal Hospital, Winter Haven, Florida (T.B.); Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, Washington (K.M.); and Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, Alabama (D.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Riggs C, Narayanan L, Mulligan C, Wills R, Mackin A, Fellman C, Thomason J, Archer T. Alterations in activated T-cell cytokine expression in healthy dogs over the initial 7 days of twice daily dosing with oral cyclosporine. J Vet Pharmacol Ther 2019; 42:385-391. [PMID: 30933369 DOI: 10.1111/jvp.12762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Cyclosporine is a powerful T-cell inhibitor used in the treatment of immune-mediated and inflammatory diseases in the dog. There is limited information on how to best monitor patients on cyclosporine therapy. Currently, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic assays are available. Pharmacokinetic assays that measure the concentration of cyclosporine in the blood are used to assess if an appropriate drug concentration has been achieved; however, target blood drug concentrations have not been shown to reliably correlate with suppression of T-cell function in the dog. In human transplant recipients, therapeutic drug monitoring has shifted to include pharmacodynamic-based monitoring. Our laboratory has validated a RT-qPCR assay to measure the pharmacodynamic effects of cyclosporine in the dog. In this study, activated T-cell expression of IL-2 and IFN-γ was measured using RT-qPCR daily for 7 consecutive days in 8 healthy Walker hounds receiving oral cyclosporine at a dosage of 10 mg/kg every 12 hr. Cytokine production was found to be markedly decreased within 24 hr after the initiation of cyclosporine and remained significantly decreased for the duration of the project. Based on these results, cyclosporine causes a rapid drop in T-cell cytokine production that is sustained with continued dosing in healthy dogs. Although performed in healthy dogs, this study demonstrated a marked decrease in cytokine suppression within 24 hr of drug administration, suggesting that pharmacodynamic monitoring of cyclosporine's effects on T cells could be considered within several days of commencing therapy in dogs suffering from life-threatening immune-mediated disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Riggs
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS
| | - Lakshmi Narayanan
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS
| | - Charlee Mulligan
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS
| | - Robert Wills
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS
| | - Andrew Mackin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS
| | - Claire Fellman
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS
| | - John Thomason
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS
| | - Todd Archer
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
|
6
|
Colombo S, Sartori R. Ciclosporin and the cat: Current understanding and review of clinical use. J Feline Med Surg 2018; 20:244-255. [PMID: 29478396 PMCID: PMC10816290 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x17748718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Practical relevance: Ciclosporin (CsA) is a systemic immuno-modulatory drug widely used to treat immune-mediated diseases in humans and veterinary species. CsA was registered for use in cats in the USA and Europe in 2011, and is indicated for the treatment of chronic allergic dermatitis at a recommended daily dose of 7 mg/kg PO. AUDIENCE This review will be of interest to all veterinarians working with cats, given the wide range of potential applications of CsA and its safety profile. Although the drug is currently only licensed to treat chronic allergic dermatitis in cats, a small number of reports describe its use in non-dermatological conditions. Evidence base: This article reviews the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, adverse effects and clinical use of CsA, both for the licensed indication and for off-label use in the feline patient. Information presented has been summarised from the existing literature on CsA, with specific interest in studies carried out in cats. For its licensed indication, chronic allergic dermatitis, evidence provided includes randomised, placebo or prednisolone-controlled studies (EBM grade I) and prospective or retrospective open trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Colombo
- Servizi Dermatologici Veterinari, via Felice Musazzi 24, Legnano (MI), 1–20025, Italy
| | - Roberta Sartori
- Servizi Dermatologici Veterinari, via Felice Musazzi 24, Legnano (MI), 1–20025, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ferrer L, Kimbrel EA, Lam A, Falk EB, Zewe C, Juopperi T, Lanza R, Hoffman A. Treatment of perianal fistulas with human embryonic stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells: a canine model of human fistulizing Crohn's disease. Regen Med 2016; 11:33-43. [DOI: 10.2217/rme.15.69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intralesional injection of human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) in canine anal furunculosis dogs. Materials & methods: Dogs naturally develop an immune-mediated disease called canine anal furunculosis, which shares many features with human fistulizing Crohn's disease. Results: The hESC-MSCs were well tolerated and 1 month postinjection, accompanied by reduced serum levels of IL-2 and IL-6, two inflammatory cytokines associated with Crohn's disease. All six dogs were found to be completely free of fistulas at 3 months postinjection. However, at 6 months, two dogs had some fistula relapse. Conclusion: Results of this study provide the first evidence of the safety and therapeutic potential of hESC-MSCs in a large animal model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lluís Ferrer
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA
| | - Erin A Kimbrel
- Ocata Therapeutics, 33 Locke Drive, Marlborough, MA 01752, USA
| | - Andrea Lam
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA
| | - Elizabeth B Falk
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA
| | - Christine Zewe
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA
| | - Tarja Juopperi
- Ocata Therapeutics, 33 Locke Drive, Marlborough, MA 01752, USA
| | - Robert Lanza
- Ocata Therapeutics, 33 Locke Drive, Marlborough, MA 01752, USA
| | - Andrew Hoffman
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Fellman CL, Archer TM, Stokes JV, Wills RW, Lunsford KV, Mackin AJ. Effects of oral cyclosporine on canine T-cell expression of IL-2 and IFN-gamma across a 12-h dosing interval. J Vet Pharmacol Ther 2015; 39:237-44. [PMID: 26676223 DOI: 10.1111/jvp.12280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The duration of immunosuppressive effects following oral cyclosporine in dogs is unknown. This study used flow cytometry and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to evaluate the effects of high-dose oral cyclosporine across a 12-h dosing interval. Expression of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) was compared before and after 8 days of cyclosporine at 10 mg/kg every 12 h in six healthy dogs. Samples were collected at 0, 2, 4, and 8 h postdosing for analysis of unactivated and activated T-cell and whole blood cytokine expression using flow cytometry and qRT-PCR, respectively, and at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 h postdosing for measurement of cyclosporine concentrations. Flow cytometry and qRT-PCR both demonstrated significant marked reductions in IL-2 and IFN-γ levels at 0, 2, 4, and 8 h after dosing compared to pretreatment levels (P < 0.05) for activated samples, with less consistent effects observed for unactivated samples. Both flow cytometry and qRT-PCR are viable techniques for measuring cyclosporine pharmacodynamics in dogs, yielding comparable results with activated samples. Two hours postdrug administration is the preferred time for concurrent assessment of peak drug concentration and cytokine expression, and T-cell activation is needed for optimal results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C L Fellman
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - T M Archer
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - J V Stokes
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - R W Wills
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - K V Lunsford
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - A J Mackin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Genetics of canine anal furunculosis in the German shepherd dog. Immunogenetics 2014; 66:311-24. [DOI: 10.1007/s00251-014-0766-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2013] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
|
10
|
Archer TM, Boothe DM, Langston VC, Fellman CL, Lunsford KV, Mackin AJ. Oral cyclosporine treatment in dogs: a review of the literature. J Vet Intern Med 2013; 28:1-20. [PMID: 24341787 PMCID: PMC4895546 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.12265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2013] [Revised: 09/02/2013] [Accepted: 10/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclosporine is an immunomodulatory drug used to treat an increasing spectrum of diseases in dogs. Cyclosporine is a calcineurin inhibitor, ultimately exerting its inhibitory effects on T-lymphocytes by decreasing production of cytokines, such as interleukin-2. Although, in the United States, oral cyclosporine is approved in dogs only for treatment of atopic dermatitis, there are many other indications for its use. Cyclosporine is available in 2 oral formulations: the original oil-based formulation and the more commonly used ultramicronized emulsion that facilitates oral absorption. Ultramicronized cyclosporine is available as an approved animal product, and human proprietary and generic preparations are also available. Bioavailability of the different formulations in dogs is likely to vary among the preparations. Cyclosporine is associated with a large number of drug interactions that can also influence blood cyclosporine concentrations. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) can be used to assist in attaining consistent plasma cyclosporine concentrations despite the effects of varying bioavailability and drug interactions. TDM can facilitate therapeutic success by guiding dose adjustments on an individualized basis, and is recommended in cases that do not respond to initial oral dosing, or during treatment of severe, life-threatening diseases for which a trial-and-error approach to dose adjustment is too risky. Pharmacodynamic assays that evaluate individual patient immune responses to cyclosporine can be used to augment information provided by TDM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T M Archer
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Archer TM, Fellman CL, Stokes JV, Pinchuk LM, Lunsford KV, Pruett SB, Langston VC, Mackin AJ. Pharmacodynamic monitoring of canine T-cell cytokine responses to oral cyclosporine. J Vet Intern Med 2011; 25:1391-7. [PMID: 22092633 DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2011.00797.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2011] [Revised: 07/01/2011] [Accepted: 08/09/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pharmacodynamic assays measure the immunosuppressive effects of cyclosporine on T-cells and offer an alternative assessment of efficacy in individual patients. OBJECTIVE To assess the immunosuppressive effects of high and low dosage cyclosporine on canine T-cells and to develop a novel testing system for individualized dose adjustment. ANIMALS Seven healthy female Walker hounds. METHODS Experimental study using a paired comparison design. Flow cytometry was used to measure T-cell expression of IL-2, IL-4, and IFN-γ. Cytokine expression 8 days after oral administration of high and low dosages of cyclosporine was compared to baseline and washout values, respectively. The high dosage was initially 10 mg/kg q12h and was then adjusted to attain established immunosuppressive trough blood drug concentrations (>600 ng/mL). The low dosage was 5 mg/kg q24h. RESULTS High dosage cyclosporine resulted in significant decreases in IL-2 and IFN-γ expression (P = .0156, P = .0156), but not IL-4 expression (P = .2188). Low dosage cyclosporine was associated with a significant decrease in IFN-γ expression (P = .0156), while IL-2 expression was not affected (P = .1094). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE T-cell function is suppressed at trough blood drug concentrations exceeding 600 ng/mL, and is at least partially suppressed in some dogs at low dosages. Direct evaluation of T-cell function could be an effective, more sensitive alternative to measuring blood drug concentrations for monitoring immunosuppressive therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T M Archer
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Fellman CL, Stokes JV, Archer TM, Pinchuk LM, Lunsford KV, Mackin AJ. Cyclosporine A affects the in vitro expression of T cell activation-related molecules and cytokines in dogs. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2010; 140:175-80. [PMID: 21227512 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2010.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2009] [Revised: 11/02/2010] [Accepted: 11/10/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Cyclosporine is a powerful immunosuppressive drug that is being used with increasing frequency to treat a wide range of immune-mediated diseases in the dog. To date, ideal dosing protocols that will achieve immunosuppression with cyclosporine in dogs remain unclear, and standard methods that can measure effectiveness of immunosuppression have not been established. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of in vitro cyclosporine exposure on a panel of molecules expressed by activated T cells to ascertain their potential as biomarkers of immunosuppression in dogs. Blood was drawn from six healthy dogs, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated and activated. Half of the cells were incubated with 200 ng/mL cyclosporine prior to activation, and the other half were not exposed to cyclosporine. Samples were analyzed using flow cytometry, and the expression of intracellular cytokines IL-2, IL-4, and IFN-γ was evaluated after 6, 12, and 24h of drug exposure. Each cytokine exhibited a time-dependent suppression profile, and all but two samples activated in the presence of cyclosporine showed lower cytokine expression than untreated controls. We also evaluated the expression of the surface T cell activation molecules CD25 and CD95 by flow cytometry after 36 h of drug exposure. Expression of these surface molecules decreased significantly when activated in the presence of cyclosporine. Our results suggest that suppressed expression of the markers related to T cell activation could potentially be utilized as an indicator of the efficacy of cyclosporine therapy in dogs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C L Fellman
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, P.O. Box 6100, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|