Cytokine Concentrations in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of Great Danes with Cervical Spondylomyelopathy

J Vet Intern Med, 2014 · DOI: 10.1111/jvim.12388 · Published: September 1, 2014

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the role of inflammation in cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM) in Great Danes by measuring cytokine levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSM in dogs shares similarities with cervical spondylotic myelopathy in humans. The study compares cytokine concentrations in the CSF of healthy Great Danes and those affected by CSM to identify potential biomarkers. The goal was to determine if the CSF cytokine profile would differ between clinically normal and CSM-affected Great Danes. The researchers also explored correlations between cytokine levels and factors such as anti-inflammatory medication use, disease duration, severity of clinical signs, spinal cord compression, and spinal cord signal changes on MRI.

Study Duration

April 2011 and October 2012

Participants

30 Great Danes: 15 control, 15 CSM-affected

Evidence Level

Prospective study

Key Findings

1
Great Danes with CSM had significantly lower concentrations of MCP-1/CCL2 in their cerebrospinal fluid compared to healthy dogs.
2
In CSM-affected dogs, lower MCP-1/CCL2 concentrations correlated with a greater severity of spinal cord compression observed on MRI.
3
CSM-affected Great Danes with spinal cord signal changes on MRI exhibited significantly higher concentrations of IL-6 in their cerebrospinal fluid.

Research Summary

This study compared CSF cytokine concentrations in Great Danes with and without CSM. Lower levels of MCP-1/CCL2 were found in affected dogs, especially those with severe spinal cord compression. Higher levels of IL-6 were observed in CSM-affected dogs with spinal cord signal changes on MRI, suggesting a link between inflammation and tissue damage. The findings suggest that MCP-1/CCL2 may play a role in clearing debris and promoting axon regeneration, while IL-6 may indicate more severe inflammation in CSM-affected dogs.

Practical Implications

Compromised Clearance of Debris

Lower MCP-1/CCL2 levels may impair the clearance of axonal and myelin debris, potentially hindering recovery in CSM-affected dogs.

Potential Therapeutic Target

Modulating MCP-1/CCL2 levels could be a therapeutic strategy to promote axon regeneration and improve outcomes in CSM-affected dogs.

Indicator of Severe Inflammation

Elevated IL-6 levels in dogs with spinal cord signal changes may serve as an indicator of more severe neuroinflammation, guiding treatment decisions.

Study Limitations

1
A significant number of CSM-affected dogs were receiving anti-inflammatory medications at the time of CSF collection, potentially influencing cytokine measurements.
2
Many of the cytokines analyzed were below the detection limits of the assay, limiting the ability to assess their role in CSM pathogenesis.
3
The study lacks histopathological or immunohistochemical confirmation of the CSF findings, as well as comparison with CSF from dogs with other chronic spinal cord diseases.

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