Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Development of canine systemic lupus erythematosus model.
- Journal:
- Journal of veterinary medicine. A, Physiology, pathology, clinical medicine
- Year:
- 2004
- Authors:
- Choi, E et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Pathology · South Korea
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
This study aimed to create a model for canine systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which is an autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin and joints. Researchers induced SLE in eight healthy dogs by giving them a substance called heparan sulphate, which is found in the body’s tissues. After the treatment, all the dogs showed mild to moderate signs of kidney issues, like protein in their urine, and skin problems, such as hair loss, redness, crusting, and scaling. Some dogs also experienced lameness, and blood tests showed high levels of specific antibodies associated with autoimmune diseases. This model could help scientists better understand skin diseases and autoimmunity in dogs.
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to develop a model for canine systemic lupus erythematosus. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune syndrome defined by clinical and serological features, including arthritis, glomerulonephritis, dermatitis and autoantibodies. SLE was induced in eight normal dogs by immunization with heparan sulphate, the major glycosaminoglycan of the glomerular basement membrane. All the heparan sulphate-immunized dogs showed mild-to-moderate levels of proteinuria and skin disease. Cutaneous signs associated with SLE including alopecia, erythema, crusting, scaling and seborrhoea were observed. Immunohistological examination of the skin lesions revealed deposition of immunoglobulin M and complement in the dermal-epidermal junction. Three of eight dogs showed lameness. The antinuclear antibody tests were positive with the antibody titres higher than 1:128. Therefore, this experimental SLE model could be useful for studying immune-mediated skin disease and autoimmunity.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15533123/