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A comparative study of epidermal tight junction proteins in a dog model of atopic dermatitis
Author(s) -
Kim HaJung,
Cronin Megan,
Ahrens Kim,
Papastavros Vassi,
Santoro Domenico,
Marsella Rosanna
Publication year - 2016
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 - 10.1111/vde.12276
Subject(s) - occludin , atopic dermatitis , immunohistochemistry , tight junction , transepidermal water loss , staining , claudin , medicine , pathology , dermatology , biology , stratum corneum , microbiology and biotechnology
Background Tight junctions ( TJ ) are important for skin barrier function and could be relevant in modulating allergen penetration in atopic dermatitis ( AD ). Humans with AD have been described to have decreased expressions of some TJ proteins in the skin. Hypothesis/Objectives This study aimed to investigate TJ protein expression using an experimental AD model in dogs. Methods Skin biopsies from six atopic (nonlesional skin) and five normal beagle dogs were stained for TJ proteins [zonula occludens 1 ( ZO ‐1), occludin, claudin‐1] by immunohistochemistry. Staining intensity was evaluated both objectively using imaging software and subjectively. Six images/sections were randomized and blindly scored by six investigators for intensity, distribution, integrity and staining pattern. Results The intensity of ZO ‐1 was significantly decreased in the atopic group objectively ( P = 0.010) and subjectively ( P = 0.002) relative to the normal group. Occludin was decreased significantly subjectively ( P = 0.027) but not objectively. Claudin was not significantly different between groups by either quantification. Additionally, only ZO ‐1 demonstrated a significantly patchier staining pattern in the atopic group. There was no consistent staining pattern in this study. Conclusions and clinical importance ZO ‐1 and occludin, which have not been described to be associated with the development of AD in humans, could play a role in this atopic dog model. Further investigation on the expression and modulation of TJ proteins and their clinical relevance is needed.