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Positive ‘atopy patch tests’ reactions in IgE‐hyperresponsive beagle dogs are dependent upon elevated allergen‐specific IgE serum levels and are associated with IgE‐expressing dendritic cells
Author(s) -
Olivry T.,
Buckler K. E.,
Dunston S. M.,
Clarke K. B.,
Mccall C. A.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
veterinary dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.744
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1365-3164
pISSN - 0959-4493
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-3164.2002.00298_17.x
Subject(s) - immunoglobulin e , atopy , immunology , patch test , allergen , atopic dermatitis , medicine , allergy , beagle , antibody
In human patients with atopic dermatitis, the development of inflammation after epicutaneous application of allergens is dependent upon the presence of IgE and Langerhans’ cells. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of allergen‐specific IgE in the generation of positive patch test reactions in experimentally sensitized IgE‐hyperresponsive beagle dogs. Patch tests were performed on seven dogs with Dermatophagoides farinae (Df) and flea saliva (FS) allergens or saline control. Two of the dogs had elevated serum IgE against Df, one against FS, two against both and two were not hypersensitive to either allergen. Positive macroscopic reactions consisted of erythema, oedema and induration, and developed between 24 and 96 h after allergen application. Macroscopic and microscopic patch test reactions developed only when serum IgE was present against tested allergens. Serum IgE levels were positively correlated with dermal cell counts at 48 h (Spearman r = 0.59; P = 0.03) and 96 h ( r = 0.68; P < 0.01) after challenge. In Df‐sensitized dogs, positive patch tests were associated with numerous IgE‐staining epidermal and dermal dendritic cell aggregates. Dendritic cells positive for IgE also expressed CD1c, identifying cells as Langerhans’ cells. These observations suggest that the development of positive patch test reactions are IgE‐dependent, and that macroscopic and microscopic patch test lesions resemble those seen in dogs with spontaneously‐arising atopic dermatitis. ‘Atopy Patch Tests’ therefore could provide a good model for investigating the pathogenesis and treatment of atopic skin lesions in the canine species. This study was supported, in part, by Heska Corporation.