Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Immunotherapy in two foals with combined immunodeficiency, resulting in graft versus host reaction.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1977
- Authors:
- Ardans, A A et al.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
In this study, two Arabian foals with combined immunodeficiency, a condition that weakens their immune system, underwent immunotherapy to try to improve their health. One foal received a bone marrow transplant from a sibling, while the other received a transplant of fetal thymus tissue, which helps develop immune cells. Unfortunately, both foals died during the treatment. Genetic tests showed that the transplanted tissues were still present in both foals, but the foal that received the thymus transplant developed a serious reaction where the new tissue attacked its body. Overall, the treatment did not succeed in saving the foals.
Abstract
Immunotherapy was attempted in 2 Arabian foals with combined immunodeficiency. One foal was given a transplant of bone marrow from a selected full sibling, and 1 foal was given a fetal thymus transplant. Both foals died. Genetic evidence was obtained for survival of the transplanted tissues in both cases; however, a graft versus host reaction developed in the foal given the fetal thymus transplant.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/13055/