2017 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

This assay was shown to be sensitive, precise, and accurate for the measurement of TNF-a in cat serum. However, assay linearity was suboptimal. Further studies are needed to determine whether linearity can be improved with the current assay system. Also, the clinical implications of serum TNF-a concentrations need to be evaluated in this species. Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is a common, chronic, genetically-predisposed, and relapsing inflammatory skin disease. CAD is a multifaceted disease resulting from a complex interaction between environmental and genetic factors. Both of these factors can shape skin barrier function and the immunological response of predisposed patients. CD4 + CD25 + FoxP3 + Regulatory T cells (Tregs) become known to prevent excessive immune responses through their immunoregulatory properties and therefore play a leading role in the maintenance of immunological homeostasis. There was only few researches that was performed to analyze the relationship between CAD and proportion of Tregs in periphery blood. In the present study, the aims were to assess the proportion of circulating Tregs (CD4 + CD25 + FoxP3 + , CD4 + FoxP3 + ) in the healthy and the atopic dogs to analyze implication of Tregs to CAD and to investigate the correlation of Tregs with CAD severity and age.