Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate whether an asthma susceptibility gene, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase ADAM33 mRNA is expressed in equine bronchial epithelium and whether the expression is increased in horses with asthma like disease (Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO)) and if so, whether expression was altered in relation to disease severity. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to assess mRNA expression for ADAM33 in bronchial epithelium immunohistochemistry was used for evaluation of protein expression. Seven RAO horses were examined while in disease exacerbation following provocation and again while in remission after two months on pasture, during which time six healthy horses on pasture were also examined. Whereas ADAM33 mRNA was detected in equine bronchial tissues, there was no quantitative difference in expression in RAO horses during disease exacerbation versus remission nor between controls and RAO horses. Moreover, expression of ADAM33 mRNA was not measurably altered in relation to disease severity based on changes in lung function test or Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) cytology. Thus, we show that A disintegrin and metalloproteinase ADAM33 is expressed in equine bronchial epithelium, but further investigations are needed in order to evaluate the role of ADAM 33 in pathogenesis of RAO

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European Respiratory Society Annual Congress

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