Dermal microdialysis in the dog: in vivo assessment of the effect of cyclosporin A on cutaneous histamine and prostaglandin D2 release

Dermal microdialysis, a relatively noninvasive technique, allows investigation of the changes in cellular mediators released during cutaneous allergic responses. This technique was used to evaluate the effect of cyclosporin A, an immunosuppressive drug used for treatment of canine atopic dermatitis, on the cutaneous release of two pro-inflammatory mediators following intradermal allergen challenge. Four beagle dogs spontaneously sensitized to Ascaris suum were treated for 1 month with oral cyclosporin A. At days 0, 15 and 30 of the treatment, dialysis probes were inserted into the skin of the back, and 20 microL of A. suum antigen was injected intradermally at each site. At timed intervals, dialysate was collected and assayed for histamine and prostaglandin D(2) and the wheal area was measured. Mean histamine concentration and wheal area were significantly lower at days 15 and 30 of treatment, compared with day 0. However, prostaglandin D(2) concentration was not significantly reduced. The inhibition in histamine release after intradermal challenge, by cyclosporin, confirms its anti-inflammatory action in the dog. Dermal microdialysis provides a useful tool for investigating canine allergic reactions and their modulation by drugs.     

Application of a dynamic model using agronomic and economic data to evaluate the sustainability of the olive grove landscape of Estepa (Andalusia,Spain)

Context

In the Andalusia region (Spain), olive grove agro-systems cover a wide area, forming social-ecological landscapes. Recent socioeconomic changes have increased the vulnerability of these landscapes, resulting in the abandonment and intensification of farms. The provision of the main ecosystem services of these landscapes have thus been degraded.

Objectives

To analyse the sustainability of an olive grove social-ecological landscape in Andalusia. Specifically, to develop a quantitative model proposing land planning and management scenarios, considering abandonment, production and economic benefits of olive crops in different conditions of erosion and management.

Methods

We applied a dynamic model using agronomic and economic data, to evaluate different types of olive management. We considered different levels of erosion, the loss of production related to this erosion, and useful life spans for each type of management. We simulated scenarios for the long-term assessment of dynamics of crops, abandonment rate, production and benefits.

Results

(a) There was a loss of productive lands and benefits in the medium term in the more intensive crops. (b) Scenarios that partially incorporated ecological management proved to be more sustainable without economic subsidies. (c) The spatial combination of integrated, intensive and ecological plots was sustainable, and was well balanced from an economic, productive and ecological point of view.

Conclusions

Scenarios that partially incorporate ecological management allowed the best economic and environmental balance. However, to ensure the sustainability of olive landscapes, farmers should be financially rewarded for their role in the conservation of ecosystem services through landscape stewardship and direct environmental payments.

     

Mitochondrial DNA variation of the bocachico Prochilodus magdalenae (Characiformes,Prochilodontidae) in the Magdalena River Basin,Colombia

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