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The effects of Strongylus vulgaris parasitism on eosinophil distribution and accumulation in equine large intestinal mucosa.
Abstract: Eosinophilic granulocytes have been associated with parasite or immune-mediated diseases, but their functions in other disease processes remain unclear. Cause and timing of eosinophil migration into the equine gastrointestinal mucosa are also unknown. Objective: To determine the effects of intestinal parasitism on eosinophils in equine large intestinal mucosa. Methods: Large intestinal mucosal samples were collected from horses and ponies (n = 16) from the general veterinary hospital population, ponies (n = 3) raised in a parasite-free environment, ponies experimentally infected with 500 infective Strongylus vulgaris larvae and treated with a proprietary anthelmintic drug (n = 14), and a similar group of ponies (n = 7) that received no anthelmintic treatment. Total eosinophil counts and eosinophil distribution in the mucosa were determined by histological examination. A mixed model analysis was performed and appropriate Bonferroni adjusted P values used for each family of comparisons. P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: There was no difference in large intestinal mucosal eosinophil counts and eosinophil distribution between ponies infected with S. vulgaris and those raised in a parasite-free environment. Experimental infection with S. vulgaris, with or without subsequent anthelmintic treatment, did not change eosinophil counts, and counts were similar to those for horses from the general population. Conclusions: Migration of eosinophils to the equine large intestinal mucosa appears to be independent of exposure to parasites. Large intestinal mucosal eosinophils may have more functions in addition to their role in defence against parasites.
Publication Date: 2008-05-17 PubMed ID: 18482896DOI: 10.2746/042516408X295464Google Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
Summary
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This research study investigates the impact of Strongylus vulgaris, a common intestinal parasite in horses, on the distribution and accumulation of eosinophils within the large intestinal mucosa of horses. It concludes that the migration of eosinophils to the large intestinal mucosa seems to be unaffected by parasite exposure, suggesting their role may extend beyond parasite defense.
Objective and Methodology of Study
- The primary objective was to understand the effects of intestinal parasitism on eosinophils in the large intestinal mucosa of horses.
- The study sample included general population horses, ponies bred in a parasite-free environment, and ponies purposely infected with S. vulgaris. The latter group was further divided into two subgroups: those who were treated with an anthelmintic drug and those who weren’t.
- Total eosinophil counts and distribution within the intestinal mucosa were determined through histological examination (examining tissue under a microscope).
- A detailed statistical analysis was performed considering P<0.05 as significant.
Results of the Study
- The results showed no significant difference in mucosal eosinophil counts and distribution between ponies infected with S. vulgaris and those raised in a parasite-free environment.
- Additionally, experimental infection with S. vulgaris, regardless of anthelmintic treatment, did not alter eosinophil counts. These remained consistent with the counts found in the general horse population.
Conclusions of the Study
- The research indicates that the movement of eosinophils to the large intestinal mucosa is independent of exposure to parasites. This conclusion contradicts the long-held belief of eosinophils primarily defending against parasitic infections.
- This leads to the suggestion that eosinophils in the large intestinal mucosa could serve other functions, although the study doesn’t elaborate on what these other functions might be.
Cite This Article
APA
Rötting AK, Freeman DE, Constable PD, Moore RM, Eurell JC, Wallig MA, Hubert JD.
(2008).
The effects of Strongylus vulgaris parasitism on eosinophil distribution and accumulation in equine large intestinal mucosa.
Equine Vet J, 40(4), 379-384.
https://doi.org/10.2746/042516408X295464 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61802, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Anthelmintics / therapeutic use
- Cell Count / veterinary
- Eosinophils / cytology
- Eosinophils / immunology
- Eosinophils / metabolism
- Eosinophils / parasitology
- Female
- Horses
- Immunity, Mucosal / immunology
- Intestinal Mucosa / immunology
- Intestinal Mucosa / parasitology
- Intestine, Large / immunology
- Leukocyte Count / veterinary
- Male
- Random Allocation
- Strongyle Infections, Equine / drug therapy
- Strongyle Infections, Equine / immunology
- Strongyle Infections, Equine / parasitology
- Strongylus / immunology
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Hedberg-Alm Y, Penell J, Riihimäki M, Osterman-Lind E, Nielsen MK, Tydén E. Parasite Occurrence and Parasite Management in Swedish Horses Presenting with Gastrointestinal Disease-A Case-Control Study. Animals (Basel) 2020 Apr 7;10(4).
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