Update on the role of leukotrienes in the pathogenesis of atopy: a comparative review

Abstract

The pathogenesis of atopic disease (AD) is controversial in humans and dogs. In humans, leukotrienes (LT) are thought to play an important role in this disease and LT inhibitors are commonly used as treatment for AD. Leukotrienes are a heterogeneous group of biologically active compounds that mediate many aspects of inflammatory and allergic reactions. This paper will review the role of LT in atopic disease in a comparative manner. Leukotriene inhibitors and their therapeutic use in the management of atopic disease in humans and dogs are discussed.

Review: Innate immunity, lipid metabolism and nutrition in canine atopic dermatitis

“…Relative to healthy canine skin, the skin of dogs with AD was found to have significantly greater mRNA expression of 5‐lipoxygenase and 5‐lipoxygenase‐activating protein, two enzymes critical in leukotriene synthesis . Atopic canine skin also had elevated leukotriene A4 hydrolase, which converts LTA4 to LTB4, an important chemotactic factor for canine neutrophils and eosinophils . Consistent with this finding, dogs with AD have increased LTB4 in peripheral polymorphonuclear cells, although levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were decreased .…”

“…Interactions between innate immune ‘sentinel’ cells, keratinocytes and environmental antigens have the potential to shape the entire future course of the immune response to any given agent. Lipid metabolism has been demonstrated to play a role in the pathogenesis of canine AD not only via the synthesis and release of eicosanoid inflammatory mediators but also by regulation of cutaneous inflammation via maintenance of the epidermal barrier and regulation of leucocyte trafficking …”

Leukotriene inhibition in small animal medicine

“…Atopic dermatitis is commonly diagnosed in both human and veterinary medicine. Despite its prevalence, the pathogenesis of the disease is not completely understood (Marsella, 2001).…”