Expression of Periostin in Normal, Atopic, and Nonatopic Chronically Inflamed Canine Skin

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Dermatology
• Immunohistochemistry
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Periostin is crucial in human allergic skin inflammation.
• Its role in canine dermatitis is currently unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate periostin expression in healthy, atopic, and chronically inflamed canine skin.
• To correlate periostin levels with disease severity.

Main Methods:

• Examined biopsy specimens from 47 dogs with skin disease and 5 healthy beagles.
• Utilized light microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and in situ hybridization.
• Assessed periostin localization and mRNA expression patterns.

Main Results:

• Periostin was found beneath the epidermis and around hair follicles in normal skin.
• Expression intensified in the dermis with inflammatory infiltrates in inflamed skin.
• Canine atopic dermatitis showed intense periostin expression at the epidermal-dermal junction.
• Periostin mRNA was upregulated in fibroblasts and keratinocytes in inflamed skin.
• Periostin distribution correlated with chronic pathologic changes and CD3+ cell counts.

Conclusions:

• Periostin expression is significantly altered in canine dermatitis.
• Data suggest periostin contributes to the pathophysiology of chronic canine dermatitis, including atopic dermatitis.