Cytokine mRNA quantification in duodenal mucosa from dogs with chronic enteropathies by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction.

The pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and antibiotic-responsive diarrhea (ARD) in dogs likely involves an interaction between the intestinal immune system and luminal bacterial or food antigens. German Shepherd Dogs (GSD) are particularly predisposed to both IBD and ARD. CD4+ T cells are important for the regulation of immune responses in the mucosa, and they exert their effects through the secretion of cytokines.

Measurement of messenger RNA encoding the alpha-chain, polymeric immunoglobulin receptor, and J-chain in duodenal mucosa from dogs with and without chronic diarrhea by use of quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assays.

Objective: To examine the difference in expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) transcripts for polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (plgR), alpha-chain, and J-chain determined by use of quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR) assays in duodenal biopsy specimens obtained from dogs with and without chronic diarrhea.

Sample Population: Biopsy specimens of the proximal portion of the duodenum were obtained endoscopically from 39 dogs evaluated because of chronic diarrhea (12 German Shepherd Dogs and 27 non-German Shepherd Dog breeds); specimens were also obtained from a control group of 7 dogs evaluated because of other gastrointestinal tract diseases and 2 dogs that were euthanatized as a result of nongastrointestinal tract disease.

Procedure: Dogs were anesthetized, and multiple mucosal biopsy specimens were obtained endoscopically at the level of the caudal duodenal flexure by use of biopsy forceps; in 2 control dogs, samples were obtained from the descending duodenum within 5 minutes of euthanasia.

Identification of four allelic variants of the dog IGHA gene.

Multiple IgA subclasses have been identified in humans, primates and lagomorphs, whereas in mice, cattle and dogs only a single subclass has been identified. The two human subclasses (IgA1 and IgA2) are defined by a difference in the length of the hinge region of the alpha chains between the CH1 and CH2 domains. The single IgA subclass so far identified in dogs has an alpha-chain hinge region with a predicted amino-acid sequence similar to that of the human alpha1 chain.

Long-term improvement in functional dyspepsia using hypnotherapy.

Background & Aims: We have shown hypnotherapy (HT) to be effective in irritable bowel syndrome, with long-term improvements in symptomatology and quality of life (QOL). This study aimed to assess the efficacy of HT in functional dyspepsia (FD).

Methods: A total of 126 FD patients were randomized to HT, supportive therapy plus placebo medication, or medical treatment for 16 weeks.