Variations in systemic and pulmonary endothelin-1 in horses with recurrent airway obstruction (heaves).
Abstract: Recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) is an asthma-like condition of the horse that represents a major cause of morbidity and loss of performance. The exact pathogenesis of asthma in man is unclear but the role of endothelin (ET) is currently under investigation, thus sparking interest in the bronchoconstrictive and vasoconstrictive properties of endothelin in the equine-specific disease entity. In this study, we investigated the levels of ET-1 in systemic blood, as well as in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) from horses with RAO. We also studied how these values might correlate with those of lung function tests and pulmonary artery pressure. Five horses with RAO were evaluated both in remission and in crisis and compared to five control horses. RAO horses had significantly (P<0.05) higher systemic ET-1 levels than control horses. They also had a negative arteriovenous ET-1 difference that may correspond to a net uptake of ET-1 in the lung. RAO horses in crisis had increased amounts of immunoreactive ET in BAL fluid compared to normal control subjects. Additionally, the reduction in lung function seen in RAO horses in crisis was significantly correlated with lower epithelial lining fluid ET-1 levels. Our results demonstrate that endothelin may contribute to the pathogenesis of asthma.
Copyright 1998 Academic Press.
Publication Date: 1999-01-27 PubMed ID: 9918762DOI: 10.1006/pupt.1998.0144Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This research investigates the endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels in the blood and lungs of horses suffering from recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), a condition similar to human asthma. The study found that horses with RAO had higher ET-1 levels and decreased lung function, suggesting a potential role for endothelin in the development of asthma.
Research Purpose and Methodology
- The study was aimed at investigating the levels of Endothelin-1 (ET-1), a protein associated with constrictions in blood vessels and airways, in horses suffering from Recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), an equine disease similar to human asthma.
- The researchers were motivated by the need to uncover the pathogenesis of asthma, with special interest in the role of endothelin, known for its bronchoconstrictive and vasoconstrictive properties.
- The levels of ET-1 were measured in the systemic blood and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) from horses with RAO.
- The study also sought to find correlations between the values observed and results from lung function tests and pulmonary artery pressure.
- A total of ten horses, five with RAO (examined in both remission and crisis states) and five healthy controls, were involved in the research.
Main Findings
- The systemic ET-1 levels in horses with RAO were significantly higher than those in the control horses.
- Horses with RAO also had a negative arteriovenous ET-1 difference, suggesting a net uptake of ET-1 in their lungs.
- In crisis situations, horses with RAO had increased amounts of immunoreactive ET in their BAL fluid compared to healthy controls.
- There was a significant connection between decreased lung function in RAO affected horses in crisis and lower levels of ET-1 in their epithelial lining fluid.
Conclusion and Implications
- The findings from the study suggest that endothelin plays a role in the pathogenesis of asthma.
- This understanding may lead to better treatment methods for both equine RAO and human asthma by targeting ET-1.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the role of endothelin in the development and progression of asthma.
Cite This Article
APA
Benamou AE, Art T, Marlin DJ, Roberts CA, Lekeux P.
(1999).
Variations in systemic and pulmonary endothelin-1 in horses with recurrent airway obstruction (heaves).
Pulm Pharmacol Ther, 11(2-3), 231-235.
https://doi.org/10.1006/pupt.1998.0144 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Centre for Equine Studies, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, CB8 7UU, UK.
MeSH Terms
- Airway Obstruction / physiopathology
- Airway Obstruction / veterinary
- Animals
- Asthma / physiopathology
- Asthma / veterinary
- Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / chemistry
- Endothelin-1 / analysis
- Endothelin-1 / blood
- Female
- Horse Diseases / physiopathology
- Horses / physiology
- Male
- Pulmonary Artery / physiology
- Recurrence
- Respiratory Function Tests / veterinary
Citations
This article has been cited 5 times.- Gehlen H, Shety T, El-Zahar H, Hofheinz I. Measurement of plasma endothelin-1 concentration in healthy horses and horses with cardiac disease during rest and after exercise. J Vet Med Sci 2019 Feb 28;81(2):263-268.
- Jäderkvist Fegraeus K, Velie BD, Axelsson J, Ang R, Hamilton NA, Andersson L, Meadows JRS, Lindgren G. A potential regulatory region near the EDN3 gene may control both harness racing performance and coat color variation in horses. Physiol Rep 2018 May;6(10):e13700.
- Polikepahad S, Haque M, Francis J, Moore RM, Venugopal CS. Characterization of endothelin receptors in the peripheral lung tissues of horses unaffected and affected with recurrent airway obstruction. Can J Vet Res 2008 Jul;72(4):340-9.
- Stokes AM, Venugopal CS, Hosgood G, Eades SC, Moore RM. Comparison of 2 endothelin-receptor antagonists on in vitro responses of equine palmar digital arterial and venous rings to endothelin-1. Can J Vet Res 2006 Jul;70(3):197-205.
- Venugopal CS, Polikepahad S, Holmes EP, Heuvel JV, Leas TL, Moore RM. Endothelin receptor alterations in equine airway hyperreactivity. Can J Vet Res 2006 Jan;70(1):50-7.
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