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Increased CSF aquaporin-4, and interleukin-6 levels in dogs with idiopathic communicating internal hydrocephalus and
Martin J Schmidt1, Christoph Rummel2, Jessica Hauer3
1Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Small Animal Clinic, Justus-Liebig-University, Frankfurter Strasse 108, 35392, Giessen, Germany. Martin.J.Schmidt@vetmed.uni-giessen.de.
Fluids and Barriers of the CNS
|July 1, 2016
Summary
In dogs with hydrocephalus, aquaporin-4 (AQP4) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were elevated. Treatment reduced these markers, suggesting AQP4 may be a compensatory response.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Hydrocephalus is associated with aquaporin-4 (AQP4) up-regulation in animal models.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pathway obstruction in animals leads to increased brain AQP4 concentrations.
- This study investigates AQP4, AQP1, and IL-6 in canine hydrocephalus CSF.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine AQP1, AQP4, and IL-6 concentrations in the CSF of dogs with idiopathic communicating hydrocephalus.
- To assess changes in these markers before and after ventriculo-peritoneal shunt (VP-shunt) treatment.
- To correlate marker concentrations with intraventricular volume reduction and clinical recovery.
Main Methods:
- CSF samples were collected from dogs with hydrocephalus and control dogs.
- Concentrations of AQP1, AQP4, and IL-6 were measured in CSF.
- Measurements were taken before and after VP-shunt surgery.
Main Results:
- AQP4 and IL-6 concentrations were significantly higher in hydrocephalic dogs compared to controls.
- Post-surgery, AQP4 and IL-6 levels decreased significantly.
- AQP1 was not detectable in the CSF of any dogs.
Conclusions:
- Elevated AQP4 in CSF may represent a compensatory mechanism in canine hydrocephalus.
- Post-treatment reduction in AQP4 and IL-6 correlates with clinical improvement.
- Further research on AQP4 at mRNA and protein levels in brain tissue is recommended.
