FUNCTIONAL MODELS

New in vivo models have been developed at UNIVET to evaluate the efficacy of potential topic or systemic drugs in Veterinary Dermatology. Spontaneous allergic disorders are common in dogs and present a pathophysiological similarity to human allergies. Dogs can therefore become a useful model to investigate new approaches to treat allergic diseases.

• DOG SENSITISATION
• DERMAL MICRODIALYSIS TECHNIQUE
• ASSESSMENT OF MAST CELL MEDIATORS

In dogs, hypersensitivity disorders are common and atopic dermatitis is a classic example. It has been estimated that as much as 15% of the canine population suffers from some sign of atopic disease. The spontaneous development of canine allergic reactions, and their pathophysiological similarity to human allergy, make the dog a useful tool for investigating new approaches to treat allergic diseases (Queralt et al. 1996; Merlos et al. 1997; Brazís et al. 1998; Queralt et al. 1998).

UNIVET has experience in experimental induction of hypersensitivity against environmental and food allergens in Beagle dogs as well as characterisation of dog immune response.

Moreover, UNIVET has a kennel of Beagle dogs that are spontaneously sensitised to the Ascaris suum parasite.

This model allows to study the efficacy of compounds in the pharmacological control of an allergic response (Brazís et al.1998; Queralt et al. 1998).

This technique allows the in situ measurement of changes in the concentration of cellular mediators that are produced in the dog dermis after provoking an allergic or inflammatory reaction.

This model, developed at UNIVET for the first time in dogs, permits to evaluate the efficacy of potential topic or systemic drugs in Veterinary Dermatology (Brazís et al. 2005).

Canine cutaneous microdialysis is also an effective and minimally invasive tool to evaluate the dermal pharmacokinetics of drugs following intravenous, oral or topical administration.

Microdialysis is also applied to assess cutaneous drug delivery, indicating the large potential for skin penetration evaluation of topical formulations

• Histamine
• Prostaglandins and leukotriens
• Cytokines