EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT OF MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS ADMINISTRATION ON INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE IN DOGS WITH ATOPIC DERMATITIS

Abstract

Canine atopic dermatitis is a pruriginous cutaneous disease commonly associated with IgE antibodies and environmental allergens. Many of its features are shared with human atopic dermatitis, such as inherited predisposition, histopathological findings and pruritus as the main clinical manifestation. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are partially defined by their capacity to differentiate into different tissues, including bone, cartilage and fat cells in vitro. But it is its tropic effect, paracrine action and immunomodulator functions that may have a strong therapeutical impact in vivo. The general objective of this project is to evaluate the effects of the use of MSCs on inflammatory response in atopic dogs; the specific aims are to evaluate possible side effects associated with the use of MSCs in dogs, to try and correlate the use of MSCs and TH1 or TH2 responses by immunohistochemistry and serum cytokines assessment, to evaluate the itching score and dermatological signs by physical examination and modulation of the inflammatory response, to standardize the technique of immunohistochemistry and evaluate the expression of anti-IL3, anti-filaggrin, anti-TNF alpha, anti-IL4 and anti-IL17 policlonal antibodies. The experimental group will be composed of two groups of atopic dogs, one receiving placebo and the other receiving MSCs intravenously. The animals will be evaluated by CADESI-e, itching score, complete dermatological evaluation, complete blood count, urine analysis and serum biochemistry. Inflammatory response will be evaluated by immunohistochemistry and cytokines assessment by ELISA tests. (AU)