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May A, Gerhards H, Wollanke B. Effect of hospitalization on equine local intestinal immunoglobulin A (IgA) concentration measured in feces. J Equine Vet Sci 2024; 137:105078. [PMID: 38697372 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
During hospitalization horses may develop gastrointestinal conditions triggered by a stress-associated weak local immune system. The prospective, clinical trial was conducted to find out whether fecal immunoglobulin A (IgA) concentrations could be determined in hospitalized horses and how they changed during hospitalization and in response to various stressors. Samples were obtained from 110 horses and a control group (n = 14). At arrival in the hospital, horses were categorized into pain grades (1-5), and elective versus strenuous surgery (> 2 hours, traumatic and emergency procedures). Feces were collected on day 1, day 2, day 3, and day 7 in all horses. Blood samples were obtained at the same intervals, but additionally after general anaesthesia in horses undergoing surgery (day 2). IgA concentration in feces was determined by ELISA and measured in optical density at 450nm. The control group showed constant IgA concentrations on all days (mean value 0.30 OD450 ±SD 0.11, 1.26 mg/g; n = 11). After general anaesthesia fecal IgA concentrations decreased considerably independent of duration and type of surgery (P < 0.001 for elective and P = 0.043 for traumatic surgeries). High plasma cortisol concentrations were weakly correlated with low fecal IgA on the day after surgery (P = 0.012, day 3, correlation coefficient r = 0.113). Equine fecal IgA concentrations showed a decline associated with transport, surgery, and hospitalization in general, indicating that stress has an impact on the local intestinal immune function and may predispose horses for developing gastrointestinal diseases such as enterocolitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A May
- Equine Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Sonnenstrasse 14 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany.
| | - H Gerhards
- retired, former head of Equine Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany
| | - B Wollanke
- Equine Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Sonnenstrasse 14 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
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Vincze B, Varga M, Kutasi O, Zenke P, Szenci O, Baska F, Bartels A, Spisák S, Cseh S, Solymosi N. Family aggregation analysis shows a possible heritable background of equine grass sickness (dysautonomia) in a Hungarian stud population. Acta Vet Hung 2020; 68:263-268. [PMID: 33128520 DOI: 10.1556/004.2020.00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Equine grass sickness (also known as dysautonomia) is a life-threatening polyneuropathic disease affecting horses with approx. 80% mortality. Since its first description over a century ago, several factors, such as the phenotype, intestinal microbiome, environment, management and climate, have been supposed to be associated with the increased risk of dysautonomia. In this retrospective study, we examined the possible involvement of genetic factors. Medical and pedigree datasets regarding 1,233 horses with 49 affected animals born during a 23-year period were used in the analysis. Among the descendants of some stallions, the proportion of animals diagnosed with dysautonomia was unexpectedly high. Among males, the odds of dysautonomia were found to be higher, albeit not significantly, than among females. Significant familial clustering (genealogical index of familiality, P = 0.001) was observed among the affected animals. Further subgroups were identified with significant (P < 0.001) aggregation among close relatives using kinship-based methods. Our analysis, along with the slightly higher disease frequency in males, suggests that dysautonomia may have a genetic causal factor with an X-linked recessive inheritance pattern. This is the first study providing ancestry data and suggesting a heritable component in the likely multifactorial aetiology of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boglárka Vincze
- 1Department of Obstetrics and Food Animal Medicine Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Márta Varga
- 2Department of Animal Breeding, Nutrition and Laboratory Animal Science, Laboratory of Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Orsolya Kutasi
- 2Department of Animal Breeding, Nutrition and Laboratory Animal Science, Laboratory of Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Petra Zenke
- 2Department of Animal Breeding, Nutrition and Laboratory Animal Science, Laboratory of Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ottó Szenci
- 1Department of Obstetrics and Food Animal Medicine Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Baska
- 3Department and Clinic of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Alan Bartels
- 4Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sándor Spisák
- 4Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sándor Cseh
- 1Department of Obstetrics and Food Animal Medicine Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Norbert Solymosi
- 5Centre for Bioinformatics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
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Abstract
Equine dysautonomia (ED; also known as equine grass sickness) is a neurological disease of unknown cause, which primarily affects grazing adult horses. The clinical signs reflect degeneration of specific neuronal populations, predominantly within the autonomic and enteric nervous systems, with disease severity and prognosis determined by the extent of neuronal loss. This review is primarily focused on the major clinical decision-making processes in relation to ED, namely, (1) clinical diagnosis, (2) selection of appropriate ancillary diagnostic tests, (3) obtaining diagnostic confirmation, (4) selection of treatment candidates, and (5) identifying appropriate criteria for euthanasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce C McGorum
- The Dick Vet Equine Hospital, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Easter Bush, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9RG, GBR.
| | - R Scott Pirie
- The Dick Vet Equine Hospital, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Easter Bush, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9RG, GBR
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Diseases of the Alimentary Tract. Vet Med (Auckl) 2017. [PMCID: PMC7167529 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-7020-5246-0.00007-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Wylie CE, Shaw DJ, Fordyce FM, Lilly A, Pirie RS, McGorum BC. Equine grass sickness in Scotland: A case-control study of environmental geochemical risk factors. Equine Vet J 2015; 48:779-785. [DOI: 10.1111/evj.12490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C. E. Wylie
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute; Easter Bush Veterinary Centre; The University of Edinburgh; Roslin UK
| | - D. J. Shaw
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute; Easter Bush Veterinary Centre; The University of Edinburgh; Roslin UK
| | - F. M. Fordyce
- British Geological Survey; West Mains Road Edinburgh UK
| | - A. Lilly
- James Hutton Institute; Craigiebuckler; Aberdeen UK
| | - R. S. Pirie
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute; Easter Bush Veterinary Centre; The University of Edinburgh; Roslin UK
| | - B. C. McGorum
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute; Easter Bush Veterinary Centre; The University of Edinburgh; Roslin UK
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6
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Pirie RS, Jago RC, Hudson NPH. Equine grass sickness. Equine Vet J 2014; 46:545-53. [PMID: 24580639 DOI: 10.1111/evj.12254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2013] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Equine grass sickness (EGS; equine dysautonomia) is a polyneuronopathy affecting both the central and the peripheral nervous systems of horses. As the name implies, EGS almost exclusively affects grazing horses, resulting in the development of a characteristic array of clinical signs, most of which can be attributed to neuronal degeneration in the autonomic and enteric nervous systems. Varying disease severities occur, largely determined by the extent of neuronal degeneration in the myenteric and submucous plexuses of the enteric nervous system. Extensive neuronal degeneration, as seen in acute and subacute forms of EGS, results in intestinal dysmotility, the severity of which is incompatible with survival. In comparison, a proportion of chronic forms of EGS, characterised by less severe neuronal degeneration, will survive. Despite extensive research efforts since EGS was first reported over 100 years ago, the precise aetiology remains elusive. This article reviews much of the scientific literature on EGS, covering epidemiology, pathology, diagnosis, treatment and aetiological hypotheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- R S Pirie
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Veterinary Campus, Midlothian, UK
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Wylie CE, Proudman CJ, McGorum BC, Newton JR. A nationwide surveillance scheme for equine grass sickness in Great Britain: results for the period 2000-2009. Equine Vet J 2011; 43:571-9. [PMID: 21649713 DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2011.00364.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY Equine grass sickness (EGS) remains a frequently fatal disease of equids in Great Britain (GB). The first nationwide surveillance scheme for EGS was developed to obtain information on the occurrence of EGS and to help facilitate future proposed intervention studies, such as vaccine trials. OBJECTIVES To collect both retrospective and prospective data on cases of EGS occurring in GB since 2000 and to assess potential risk factors for categories of EGS and survival after chronic EGS. METHODS Prospective data were collected using a nationwide surveillance scheme for EGS that was developed and initiated in 2007. Data were collected by means of postal and online questionnaires documenting both retrospective premises-level and prospective case-level information. Data on outcomes of EGS category and survival after chronic grass sickness (CGS) were analysed using univariable logistic regression. RESULTS Descriptive data for 1410 EGS cases occurring in GB in the decade between the beginning of 2000 and the end of 2009 are presented. Univariable logistic regression analyses identified that CGS cases in Scotland were significantly more likely to survive than those occurring elsewhere in GB. There was no relationship between case details and the category of EGS or the outcome among CGS cases. CONCLUSIONS EGS affected equids throughout England, Scotland and Wales. Although an overall average of 141 cases were reported to the nationwide surveillance scheme annually, this number of cases was not consistent between years. Around 50% of CGS cases survived, although regional differences in survival rates existed, probably due to variation in expertise of care and/or disease severity. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE This study provides information on the spatiotemporal occurrence of EGS in GB during the last decade. Data from the nationwide surveillance scheme can be used in developing protocols for future intervention studies such as Clostridium botulinum vaccine trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Wylie
- Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk, UK.
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Lewis MJ, Wagner B, Irvine RM, Woof JM. IgA in the horse: cloning of equine polymeric Ig receptor and J chain and characterization of recombinant forms of equine IgA. Mucosal Immunol 2010; 3:610-21. [PMID: 20631692 PMCID: PMC3125105 DOI: 10.1038/mi.2010.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2009] [Accepted: 06/11/2010] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
As in other mammals, immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the horse has a key role in immune defense. To better dissect equine IgA function, we isolated complementary DNA (cDNA) clones for equine J chain and polymeric Ig receptor (pIgR). When coexpressed with equine IgA, equine J chain promoted efficient IgA polymerization. A truncated version of equine pIgR, equivalent to secretory component, bound with nanomolar affinity to recombinant equine and human dimeric IgA but not with monomeric IgA from either species. Searches of the equine genome localized equine J chain and pIgR to chromosomes 3 and 5, respectively, with J chain and pIgR coding sequence distributed across 4 and 11 exons, respectively. Comparisons of transcriptional regulatory sequences suggest that horse and human pIgR expression is controlled through common regulatory mechanisms that are less conserved in rodents. These studies pave the way for full dissection of equine IgA function and open up possibilities for immune-based treatment of equine diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Lewis
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Dundee Medical School, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, UK
| | - B Wagner
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - R M Irvine
- Veterinary Pathological Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - J M Woof
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Dundee Medical School, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, UK
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Newton J, Wylie C, Proudman C, McGorum B, Poxton I. Equine grass sickness: Are we any nearer to answers on cause and prevention after a century of research? Equine Vet J 2010; 42:477-81. [DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00155.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Chiocchetti R, Bombardi C, Mongardi-Fantaguzzi C, Venturelli E, Russo D, Spadari A, Montoneri C, Romagnoli N, Grandis A. Intrinsic innervation of the horse ileum. Res Vet Sci 2009; 87:177-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2009.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2008] [Revised: 12/10/2008] [Accepted: 03/13/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Wylie CE, Proudman CJ. Equine Grass Sickness: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Global Distribution. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2009; 25:381-99. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2009.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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