Methylprednisolone Induces Extracellular Trap Formation and Enhances Bactericidal Effect of Canine Neutrophils.

Methylprednisolone is a glucocorticoid and can negatively influence immune defense mechanisms. During bacterial infections in the dog, neutrophils infiltrate infected tissue and mediate antimicrobial effects with different mechanisms such as phagocytosis and neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation. Here, we investigated the influence of methylprednisolone on canine NET formation and neutrophil killing efficiency of Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. Therefore, canine blood derived neutrophils were treated with different concentrations of methylprednisolone over time. The survival factor of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, Streptococcus canis or Escherichia coli was determined in presence of stimulated neutrophils. Additionally, free DNA and nucleosomes as NET marker were analyzed in supernatants and neutrophils were assessed for NET formation by immunofluorescence microscopy. Methylprednisolone concentrations of 62.5 and 625 µg/mL enhanced the neutrophil killing of Gram positive bacteria, whereas no significant influence was detected for the Gram negative Escherichia coli. Interestingly, higher amounts of free DNA were detected under methylprednisolone stimulation in a concentration dependency and in the presence of Streptococcus canis and Escherichia coli. The nucleosome release by neutrophils is induced by bacterial infection and differs depending on the concentration of methylprednisolone. Furthermore, immunofluorescence microscopy analysis identified methylprednisolone at a concentration of 62.5 µg/mL as a NET inducer. In summary, methylprednisolone enhances NET-formation and time-dependent and concentration-dependent the bactericidal effect of canine neutrophils on Gram positive bacteria.

The effect of doxycycline on canine neutrophil functions.

Doxycycline is a broad-spectrum tetracycline-class antibiotic that is frequently used to treat bacterial infections. Its use has also been described in immune-mediated diseases due to its immunomodulatory properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of doxycycline on canine neutrophil functions. Therefore, the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) were determined after incubation of canine PMNs with doxycycline in three different concentrations (4 µg/mL, 20 µg/mL and 200 µg/mL) for one and three hours, respectively. Additionally, a neutrophil killing assay with a doxycycline-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was performed to determine the bactericidal effect of doxycycline treated PMNs in presence of plasma. Doxycycline significantly diminished the production of ROS. However, doxycycline concentrations of 4 µg/mL and 20 µg/mL significantly induced NETs. A synergistic bacteriostatic effect of PMNs and doxycycline on a doxycycline-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolate was detectable. However, already PMNs and especially doxycycline alone inhibited the growth. In summary, doxycycline showed a concentration-dependent immunomodulatory property in canine PMNs with a reduced ROS production and increased NET-induction. This immunomodulatory effect resulted in a slightly increased elimination of a doxycycline-resistant Staphylococcus aureus by the doxycycline plasma concentrations achieved in dogs.

Amelanotic Malignant Melanoma in a Himalayan Rex Guinea Pig (Cavia porcellus).

A Himalayan Rex guinea pig was presented with a history of nodular, partially ulcerated masses in the subcutis of the left shoulder. Histological examination revealed a garland-like to nodular, infiltrative neoplastic mass of the epidermis and hair follicle epithelium, which obscured the dermoepidermal junction. Neoplastic cells were immunopositive for S100, PNL-2, vimentin and melan-A antigens. No immunolabelling of CD3, CD79, Iba-1 or pancytokeratin was observed. This is the first detailed description of spontaneous amelanotic malignant melanoma in this species.

Generation and characterization of highly purified canine Schwann cells from spinal nerve dorsal roots as potential new candidates for transplantation strategies.

Schwann cells are promising candidates for transplantation strategies in the central nervous system by promoting axonal regeneration. The dog represents a translational model for human spinal cord injury (SCI) for studies with new repair strategies after intervertebral disk herniation (IVDH). To overcome the necessity for an additional surgical procedure, for the first time a protocol for the isolation and purification of canine Schwann cells from spinal nerve biopsies during standard hemilaminectomy in IVDH-affected paraplegic dogs for potential transplantation has been developed. Purity was assessed by flow cytometry. The results were compared with biopsies from dogs without SCI. Within 26 ± 4 days, 90.2 ± 8.8% p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR )-positive cells were achieved in IVDH dogs. The total cell count in acute/subacute and chronic IVDH (acute/subacute: 6.82 ± 6.36 × 106 ; chronic: 2.29 ± 2.00 × 106 ) differed significantly (p = 0.0120) at the potential time point of transplantation. No differences in culture period and purity were detected between dogs with and without IVDH. Despite the small sample size and the altered environment, the isolation of Schwann cells was successful. Negative influences on isolation and purification due to potential pathological changes at the biopsy site of IVDH-diseased dogs were ruled out by comparison of Schwann cell pellets from diseased and control dogs. Finally, the functionality of Schwann cells from dogs with IVDH was outlined in co-culture experiments with canine dorsal root ganglion neurons. In conclusion, nerve root biopsies provide a sufficient number of highly purified and functional Schwann cells within a useful time period for novel therapeutic strategies in dogs with SCI.