Comparative study of canine and human atopic dermatitis from immunological aspect

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Canine atopic dermatitis is defined as a hereditary, IgE-mediated hypersensitivity to environmental allergens. Whereas, the therapy and management of human atopic dermatitis is sometimes thought to be difficult as well as dogs. We have investigated if canine atopy could be a clinical model in view of environmental, clinical and immunological aspect. Firstly, background data from 2,164 dog patients with atopic dermatitis were collected by a questionnaire study. Dog breeds predisposing atopic dermatitis in Japan included Shiba-inu, Shi-tzu, Golden retriever and West Highland white terrier. Major allergens in Japanese atopic dermatitis included house dust mites, Japanese cedar and weed pollen. It is conceivable that canine atopic dermatitis affects mainly from indoor environment rather than outdoor environment. Th2 cytokine production (interleukin 10 and 4) from peripheral lymphocytes of atopic dermatitis was not altered, however, Th1 cytokine (gamma interferon) was reduced in atopic patients as well as human and mice. These results might lead the conclusion that canine atopic dermatitis may be a good model for the assessment of a therapeutic aspect of human atopy.