Effects of castration and testosterone on Fel d I production by sebaceous glands of male cats: I—immunological assessment

Abstract

Fel dI is produced by salivary and sebaceous glands. Hormonal control of sebum production is clearly established. The influence of cat castration and supplementary treatment with testosterone on the production of sebum and Fel dI in cat skin have been researched in this study. On day 1, 12 male cats were anaesthetized and three skin areas carefully shaven. Then the level of lipids on skin surface was measured by means of a photometric method. Finally, the three areas of skin were washed with 5ml of distilled water through a plastic cylinder. Fel dI collected in the washes was measured with a two-site monoclonal antibody based ELISA. On day 2, six cats were castrated, the other six were used as a control group. Two and 4 weeks later, the levels of lipids and Fel dI in skin washes were measured again in all cats. On day 30, the six castrated cats were injected intramuscularly with prolonged-action testosterone. Two weeks later, quantification of lipids and Fel dI in all animals was repeated. Sebum and Fel dI levels decreased in all castrated animals. Injecting the castrated cats with testosterone led to a significant increase in sebum and Fel dI production. Our findings indicate that Fel dI production is influenced by the production of hormones.

Allergen avoidance in the treatment of asthma and atopic disorders

“…97 Fel d 1 production is under hormonal 1. 107 108 As carpets may accumulate allergens up to a level 100 times that of polished floors, control 98 and the castration of male cats results in a 3-5 fold reduction of Fel d 1 concentration carpeting and soft furnishings should ideally be removed. 105 in skin washing with testosterone treatment restoring the Fel d 1 levels to pre-castration Since getting rid of the family pet is rarely a viable option, we currently advise a set of values.…”

Environmental assessment and exposure control: a practice parameter—furry animals

“…19, 21 When compared with high-efficiency vacuum cleaning alone, the addition of HEPA filters significantly improved asthma symptoms after 12 months in cat-allergic individuals who were living with a cat but showed no change in reservoir or airborne Fel d 1 levels. 90 A combination of a HEPA room air cleaner, mattress and pillow covers, and cat exclusion from the bedroom was shown to reduce airborne cat Fel d 1 levels, although this was not associated with clinical improvement in one controlled study.…”

“…Other characteristics of cats, such as length of cat hair, cat sex, reproductive status, and time spent indoors, were not associated with levels of Fel d 1. 19 The presence of a cat can increase airborne Fel d 1 within 30 minutes. Factors that lead to increased airborne Fel d 1 concentrations include low ventilation rate and the presence of upholstered furnishings.…”

“…One study documented an increased production of Fel d 1 in cats and Can f 1 in dogs from neutered animals, 18 whereas another study documented reduced amounts of Fel d 1 production in neutered cats that could be increased by treatment with testosterone. 19 Given this uncertainty, the decision to neuter a cat or dog should be made based on considerations other than a desire to alter allergen production.…”

Focus on Cat Allergen (Fel d 1): Immunological and Aerodynamic Characteristics, Modality of Airway Sensitization and Avoidance Strategies

“…The quantitatively most important sources of the allergen are the sebaceous, salivary and perianal glands, whereas the skin and the fur are the principal reservoirs [33, 34]. Since Fel d 1 production is under testosterone control, males produce higher quantities than females [35]. However, castration does not induce any change in Fel d 1 concentration on the fur of female cats, and castrated male cats produce Fel d 1 in amounts sufficient to induce respiratory symptoms in sensitized patients [36].…”