Sulphido-leukotriene production from peripheral leukocytes and skin in clinically normal dogs and house dust mite positive atopic dogs

Pathogenesis of canine atopy has not been completely elucidated. In humans, sulphido-leukotrienes (s-LT) play a role in atopy. and increased productio n of s-LT occurs in the skin and peripheral leukocytes after allergen chall enge. The study population included 16 clinically normal and 13 atopic dogs . All atopic dogs had in common a positive reaction (4+) to the intradermal injection of house dust mite (allergen of reference). Blood samples and sk in biopsies were collected. Sulphido-LT synthesis by peripheral leukocytes after stimulation was measured, and no statistically significant difference was found between clinically normal and atopic dogs. Sulphido-LT concentra tions in skin samples from stimulated and unstimulated sites were measured, and no statistically significant difference was detected between clinicall y normal and atopic dogs or between lesional and nonlesional skin within th e atopic group. Clinical signs of atopic dogs were graded by owners and no correlation was found between their severity and cutaneous concentrations o f s-LT. In this study there was no increase in s-LT synthesis in atopic dog s.