Noninfectious Causes of Immunosuppression in Dogs and Cats

Question 1

What is the role of arginine in immunity?

Answer 1

Arginine is necessary for lymphocyte development, and a deficiency
leads to decreased number of B cells in secondary lymphoid organs

Question 2

What are the consequences of taurine-deficient diets in cats’ immune organs?

Answer 2

Taurine-deficient diets in cats lead to several adverse consequences,
including atrophy of the spleen and lymph nodes, lymphopenia, and
impaired oxidative burst by phagocytes

Question 3

How can polyunsaturated fatty acids decrease immunity?

Answer 3

By inhibiting lymphocyte proliferation and
NK cell activity, decreasing secretion of cytokines, and lead to a shift away from a helper 1
T cell response.

Question 4

What minerals are important for immunity and why?

Answer 4

• Copper: deficiency can lead to decreased antibody production and cell-mediated immunity, with
  an increased susceptibility to infection.
• Zinc: deficiency is associated with lymphopenia,
  thymic atrophy, reductions in lymphocyte proliferation, NK and CD4 cell
  activity, and decreased chemotaxis of neutrophils.
  -Iron: eficiency or increased
  iron loss can lead to a decrease in T cell responses, cytokine and antibody production,
  and phagocytic activity.
• Selenium: deficiency impairs lymphocyte proliferation, antibody
  production, and neutrophil chemotaxis.

Question 5

MOA of cyclosporine

Answer 5

This calcineurin inhibitor acts on T cells to block production of IL-2 and IFN-g, which
suppresses TH1 response

Question 6

MOA Mycophenolate

Answer 6

This drug also inhibits purine synthesis, suppressing lymphocyte proliferation and
antibody production by B cells

Question 7

What endocrinopathies can cause immune suppression?

Answer 7

DM, Cushing, thymus and thyroid issues