Long‑term changes of Th17 and regulatory T cells in peripheral blood of dogs with spinal cord injury after intervertebral disc herniation

This study investigates the role of Th17 and Treg cells in dogs with spinal cord injury (SCI) caused by intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH). Th17 cells promote inflammation, while Treg cells suppress it. The research aims to determine if these cells are involved in the development of SCI or if changes in these cells are due to other inflammatory diseases. The study involved analyzing blood samples from dogs with IVDH at the acute stage of the disease and after recovery, comparing them to a healthy control group. The levels of Th17 and Treg cells were measured to see if there were any significant changes or imbalances. The results showed that both Th17 and Treg cell levels were higher after recovery compared to the acute stage of IVDH. However, the ratio between these cells did not significantly change, and the levels in recovered dogs were similar to those in the control group.

• 1
  Significantly higher levels of Th17 and Treg cells were detected after recovery from IVDH compared to the acute stage.
• 2
  The Th17/Treg ratio did not differ significantly between the acute stage and after recovery, and there was no association with neurological severity or underlying inflammatory diseases.
• 3
  Preexisting inflammatory diseases did not significantly influence Th17 and Treg cell populations in dogs with IVDH.