RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of canine atopic dermatitis (AD) is complex. Dysregulation of the cutaneous immune system is considered an important regulator of the allergic response. Exploration of association of interleukin-17 (IL-17), IL-31, IgE and leukogram attributes with canine AD could provide novel insights into its immunopathology. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To investigate possible associations of IL-17, IL-3, IgE and leukogram attributes of canine AD. ANIMALS: 17 dogs diagnosed with AD and six healthy dogs. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Circulating concentrations of IL-17, IL-31 and total IgE from sera samples were determined using commercial canine-specific quantitative immunoassay kits. Complete blood cell counts were analysed by an automated haematology analyser. Statistical differences between the two groups were determined using an unpaired t-test. The degree of relationship between the IL-17, IL-31, IgE, total leukocyte count (TLC) values and clinical signs scores (Canine Atopic Dermatitis Lesion Index and pruritus Visual Analog Scale pVAS) was determined by Pearson's r correlation statistic. RESULTS: Dogs with AD had significantly (P < 0.0001) higher circulating concentrations of IL-17, IL-31 and total IgE compared with healthy dogs. Dogs with AD also had significantly higher TLC (P < 0.0002), absolute neutrophils (P < 0.0001) and absolute eosinophils (P < 0.0001) counts, and percentage of neutrophils (P < 0.03) and eosinophils (P < 0.0001) compared with healthy controls. A significant positive correlation (r2 = 0.396; P < 0.007) between the pVAS and IL-31 was observed in dogs with AD. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Marked elevation in circulating IL-17, IL-31 and total IgE along with the abnormalities in leukogram may be associated with canine AD and could be possible targets in the therapeutic management of canine AD.