Comparison of endoscopy, histology, and cytokine mRNA of the equine gastric mucosa

Vet Res Commun. 2010 Jun:34 Suppl 1:S121-4. doi: 10.1007/s11259-010-9401-6.

Abstract

In recent years, gastric ulceration has been recognized as a common, possibly performance-limiting disease, of adult horses. The aim of this study was to compare endoscopic features, histological diagnosis, and mRNA levels of various cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-13) from horse gastric biopsies. Eleven horses suffering from equine gastric ulcer syndrome and seven horses with normal histological gastric features were assessed. No correlation between endoscopic features and histology (i.e., the gold standard) was observed. Based on histological diagnosis, a significant (p < 0.05) increase in cytokine mRNA levels (specifically, TNF-alpha and IL-13) was observed in horses affected by equine ulcerative gastric syndrome.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cytokines / genetics
  • Cytokines / metabolism*
  • Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal / veterinary*
  • Gastric Mucosa / metabolism*
  • Gastric Mucosa / pathology
  • Gene Expression Regulation / physiology
  • Horse Diseases / metabolism
  • Horse Diseases / pathology*
  • Horses
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Stomach Ulcer / metabolism
  • Stomach Ulcer / pathology
  • Stomach Ulcer / veterinary*

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • RNA, Messenger