Abstract: Recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) is a common condition in stabled horses characterised by small airway inflammation, airway neutrophilia and obstruction following exposure of susceptible horses to mouldy hay and straw and is thus regarded as a hypersensitivity reaction to mould spores. However, the role of IgE-mediated reactions in RAO remains unclear. The aim of the study was to investigate with a serological IgE ELISA test (Allercept), an in vitro sulfidoleukotriene (sLT) release assay (CAST) and with intradermal testing (IDT) whether serum IgE and IgE-mediated reactions against various mould, mite and pollen extracts are associated with RAO. IDT reactions were evaluated at different times in order to detect IgE-mediated immediate type reactions (type I hypersensitivity reactions, 0.5-1 h), immune complex-mediated late type reactions (type III reactions, 4-10 h) and cell-mediated delayed type reactions (type IV hypersensitivity reactions 24-48 h). In the serological test, overall the control horses displayed more positive reactions than the RAO-affected horses but the difference was not significant. Comparison of the measured IgE levels showed that the RAO-affected horses had slightly higher IgE levels against Aspergillus fumigatus than controls (35 and 16 AU, respectively, p<0.05), but all values were below the cut off (150 AU) of the test. In the sLT release assay, seven positive reactions were observed in the RAO-affected horses and four in the controls but this difference was not significant. A significantly higher proportion of late type IDT reactions was observed in RAO-affected horses compared to controls (25 of 238 possible reactions versus 12 of 238 possible reactions, respectively, p<0.05). Interestingly, four RAO-affected but none of the control horses reacted with the recombinant mould allergen A. fumigatus 8 (rAsp f 8, p<0.05), but only late phase and delayed type reactions were observed. In all three tests the majority of the positive reactions was observed with the mite extracts (64%, 74% and 88% of all positive reactions, respectively) but none of the tests showed a significant difference between RAO-affected and control animals. Our findings do not support that IgE-mediated reactions are important in the pathogenesis of RAO. Further studies are needed to investigate whether sensitisation to mite allergens is of clinical relevance in the horse and to understand the role of immune reactions against rAsp f 8.
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The research article investigates the role and significance of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated reactions in recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) found in horses. The study uses in-vitro and intradermal methods to investigate if specific allergens influence RAO conditions.
Background of the Research
RAO is an inflammation and obstruction in the airways of stabled horses due to exposure to mouldy straw or hay believed to be a hypersensitivity reaction to mould spores.
The purpose of the study was to understand if serum IgE and IgE-mediated reactions against various allergens such as mould, mite, and pollen extracts play any role in RAO.
To evaluate this, the research used in vitro sulfidoleukotriene (sLT) release assay, serological IgE ELISA test, and intradermal testing (IDT) at different time intervals to detect immediate, late, and delayed hypersensitivity reactions.
Research Method and Findings
For the serological IgE ELISA test, the results displayed that control horses had more positive reactions than RAO-affected horses, however, the difference wasn’t significant. The IgE levels to Aspergillus fumigatus were relatively higher in RAO-affected horses than in controls but still fell below the cut-off (150 AU) of the test.
The sLT release assay observed seven positive reactions in RAO-affected horses and four in controls. However, the difference was again not significant.
In IDT methods, significantly higher late-phase reactions were observed in RAO-affected horses compared to controls. However, immediate type reactions (type I hypersensitivity) were not detected.
Interestingly, four RAO-affected horses, but none of the controls, reacted with the recombinant mould allergen Aspergillus fumigatus 8. However, only late-phase and delayed reactions were observed.
In all tests, the majority of positive reactions were observed with mite extracts, however, none of the tests showed any significant difference between RAO-affected and control animals.
Conclusion of the Research
Based on the research findings, the authors concluded that there isn’t adequate evidence to support the significance of IgE-mediated reactions in the pathogenesis of RAO.
The higher proportion of late-type IDT reactions in RAO-affected horses does not provide sufficient grounds to establish a clear connection between IgE-mediated reactions and RAO.
Going forward, more studies are necessary to understand if sensitisation to mite allergens is clinically relevant in horses and to comprehend the role of immune reactions against Aspergillus fumigatus 8.
Cite This Article
APA
Tahon L, Baselgia S, Gerber V, Doherr MG, Straub R, Robinson NE, Marti E.
(2008).
In vitro allergy tests compared to intradermal testing in horses with recurrent airway obstruction.
Vet Immunol Immunopathol, 127(1-2), 85-93.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetimm.2008.09.021