The proto-oncogene c-k/t, a transmembrane tyrosine protein kinase receptor for an unknown ligand, was shown recently to map to the dominant white spotting locus (W) of the mouse. Mutations at the W locus affect various aspects of hematopoiesis, as well as the proliferation and/or migration of primordial germ cells and melanoblasts during development. Here, we show that c-k/t is expressed in tissues known to be affected by W mutations in fetal and adult erythropoietic tissues, mast cells, and neural-crest-derived melanocytes. We demonstrate that the c-k/t associated tyrosine-specific protein kinase is functionally impaired in W/W v mast cells, thus providing a molecular basis for understanding the developmental defects that result from these mutations.

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Sublingual immunotherapy with monomeric carbamylated allergoid (LAIS) is an effective and well tolerated treatment of respiratory allergy. The aim of the present study was to correlate the efficacy of two maintenance doses (1000 AU vs 3000 AU) of LAIS with the immunological modulation of allergendriven Thl, Th2 and T regulatory cytokines produced in vitro by PBMCs, in patients suffering from mite allergic rhinitis. Forty-eight consecutive patients with mite allergic rhinitis were recruited. Patients were randomly assigned to group A (n=24) or group B (n=24), respectively receiving 1000 AU or 3000 AU weekly during one-year maintenance phase. Each patient was evaluated for rhinitis severity (ARIA protocol), and for drug consumption at the time ofthe inclusion and after 6 and 12 months oftreatment. Patients were also asked to report the perceived severity of the disease and the tolerability of the treatment in a visual analogical scale (VAS). Before and at the end of the treatment allergen-driven release of cytokines by PBMCs in vitro was measured. After J-year treatment, a statistically significant reduction of all clinical parameters was observed in all patients, associated with reduction of IL-4 and increase of INF-y secreted in vitro by mite-challenged PBMCs. Notably, the group treated with the higher dose showed significantly better clinical and immunological results. The efficacy of LAIS is correlated to the immune modulation in a clear dose-dependent effect.Sublingual specific immunotherapy with monomeric carbamylated allergoid (LAlS) is an effective and well tolerated treatment of respiratory allergy (1-5). The monomeric allergoid was obtained by carbamylation of the allergen with potassium cyanate at alkaline pH, a reaction that leads to a substantial substitution of the s-amino groups of the lysine residues within the protein. This simple chemical modification confers to the allergoid a series ofcharacteristics (6) which made it particularly appropriate for sublingual administration. Among them,thehypoallergenicity andthemonomericity, that

BackgroundNematodes of the genus Angiostrongylus are important causes of potentially life-threatening diseases in several animal species and humans. Angiostrongylus vasorum affects the right ventricle of the heart and the pulmonary arteries in dogs, red foxes and other carnivores. The diagnosis of canine angiostrongylosis may be challenging due to the wide spectrum of clinical signs. Ocular manifestations have been seldom reported but have serious implications for patients.MethodsThe clinical history of three cases of infection with A. vasorum in dogs diagnosed in UK, France and Italy, was obtained from clinical records provided by the veterinary surgeons along with information on the diagnostic procedures and treatment. Nematodes collected from the eyes of infected dogs were morphologically identified to the species level and molecularly analysed by the amplification of the nuclear 18S rRNA gene.ResultsOn admission, the dogs were presented with various degrees of ocular discomfort and hyphema because of the presence of a motile object in the eye. The three patients had ocular surgery during which nematodes were removed and subsequently morphologically and molecularly identified as two adult males and one female of A. vasorum.ConclusionsThree new cases of canine ocular angiostrongylosis are reported along with a review of other published clinical cases to improve the diagnosis and provide clinical recommendation for this parasitic condition. In addition, the significance of migratory patterns of larvae inside the host body is discussed. Veterinary healthcare workers should include canine angiostrongylosis in the differential diagnosis of ocular diseases.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1440-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Case summaryHerein a drug-resistant IgG-lambda-type multiple myeloma associated with probable phaeochromocytoma in a cat is described. A 12-year-old cat presented with weakness, weight loss, progressive blindness and open-mouth breathing, in addition to polyuria and polydipsia of 2 months’ duration. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a left adrenal mass. Phaeochromocytoma was suspected on the basis of cytology and was associated with systemic hypertension. Biochemistry showed hyperproteinaemia. Serum protein electrophoresis revealed a narrow spike in the gamma region, identified as IgG lambda type at immunoelectrophoresis. Bone marrow cytology revealed an infiltrate with numerous mature plasma cells. The cat was resistant to two different drugs for multiple myeloma and was euthanased 6 months later because of anorexia and persistent poor general condition.Relevance and novel informationThis is the first clinical description of multiple myeloma associated with a suspected phaeochromocytoma in a cat.

Case summary A 14-year-old cat was presented with a 2-week history of ataxia, seizure-like episodes, vomiting and weight loss. Serum biochemistry revealed severe hypoglycaemia, associated with low serum fructosamine and high insulin concentrations. On abdominal ultrasound, a focal hypoechoic well-defined mass in the left limb of the pancreas was identified and the presence of an additional smaller nodule was suspected. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) confirmed the presence of both lesions and revealed a third, even smaller nodule. Partial pancreatectomy was performed. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of a multifocal insulinoma. Six months later, the cat presented with tenesmus and obstipation. A colorectal adenocarcinoma was diagnosed with histopathology after partial excision of a colorectal mass. The cat was euthanased a month later owing to recurrent episodes of severe obstipation. Relevance and novel information This is the first clinical description of the use of CEUS in the diagnosis of feline insulinoma. Furthermore, the available scientific literature on feline insulinoma was reviewed.

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