2007-08: Project Six
Do pulmonary intravascular monocytes and macrophages induce anemia in dogs?
Drs. Baljit Singh and Anthony Carr
WCVM scientists are investigating the potential role of pulmonary intravascular monocytes/macrophages (PIMMs) in inducing immune mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) — one of the most common causes of anemia in dogs. Previous studies at WCVM have shown that recruited PIMMs promote an animal’s susceptibility for endotoxin-induced inflammation and mortality. This happens through the production of inflammatory cytokines that play a vital role in the development of coagulation and thrombosis.
Researchers believe that pulmonary complications such as thromboembolism play a major role in the development of IMHA, but at this point, no one has thoroughly studied the mechanisms of these pulmonary complications.
To explore this possibility further, the WCVM research team will use a mouse model of IMHA to study if PIMMs are recruited. If PIMMs are part of the disease’s progression, then the team will explore whether the depletion or inactivation of PIMMs can rescue a host animal from IMHA. If the latter is confirmed, this research study may lead to the development of better treatment strategies for IMHA.
