Editorial Type:
Respiratory System

Measurement of ascorbic acid concentration and glutathione peroxidase activity in biological samples collected from horses with recurrent airway obstruction

Rachel H. H. TanDepartment of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia

Search for other papers by Rachel H. H. Tan in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMedClose
 BVSc, MS
,
Craig D. ThatcherCollege of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Search for other papers by Craig D. Thatcher in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMedClose
 DVM, PhD
,
Virginia Buechner-MaxwellDepartments of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech and University of Maryland, Blacksburg, VA 24060

Search for other papers by Virginia Buechner-Maxwell in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMedClose
 DVM, MS
,
Undine ChristmannDepartment of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia
College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Departments of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech and University of Maryland, Blacksburg, VA 24060
Departments of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech and University of Maryland, Blacksburg, VA 24060
Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech and University of Maryland, Blacksburg, VA 24060.

Search for other papers by Undine Christmann in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMedClose
 DVM, PhD
,
Mark V. CrismanDepartments of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech and University of Maryland, Blacksburg, VA 24060

Search for other papers by Mark V. Crisman in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMedClose
 DVM, MS
, and
Stephen R. WerreBiomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech and University of Maryland, Blacksburg, VA 24060.

Search for other papers by Stephen R. Werre in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMedClose
 PhD
View More View Less
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.71.12.1500
Volume/Issue:
Volume 71: Issue 12
Online Publication Date:
01 Dec 2010
Restricted access
Sign In Reprints and Permissions Purchase Article

Abstract

Objective—To measure the ascorbic acid (AA) concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and cellular glutathione peroxidase (cGPx) activity in RBCs and WBCs from peripherally obtained blood and in cells from BALF to determine whether differences existed between the 2 major redox systems in recurrent airway obstruction (RAO)-affected and -nonaffected (control) horses and between systemic and local pulmonary responses in the glutathione redox system.

Animals—16 adult horses in pairs: 8 healthy (control) and 8 RAO-affected horses.

Procedures—Physical examination data and biological samples were collected from horses before (remission), during, and after (recovery) environmental challenge with dusty straw and hay. At each stage, BALF cell AA concentration and RBC, WBC, and BALF cell cGPx activity were measured.

Results—Compared with control horses, RAO-affected horses had significantly higher cGPx activity in RBCs at all points and in WBCs during remission and challenge. The BALF cell cGPx activity was higher in RAO-affected horses during recovery than during remission The BALF cell AA concentration did not differ significantly in control horses at any point, but total and free AA concentrations were significantly lower in RAO-affected horses during the challenge period than during remission and recovery periods.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—High cGPx activity suggested this redox system was upregulated during exposure to dusty straw and hay to combat oxidative stress, as AA was depleted in RAO-affected horses. The relative delay and lack of comparative increase in cGPx activity within the local environment (represented by BALF cells), compared with that in RBCs and WBCs, might contribute to disease in RAO-affected horses.

Abstract

Objective—To measure the ascorbic acid (AA) concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and cellular glutathione peroxidase (cGPx) activity in RBCs and WBCs from peripherally obtained blood and in cells from BALF to determine whether differences existed between the 2 major redox systems in recurrent airway obstruction (RAO)-affected and -nonaffected (control) horses and between systemic and local pulmonary responses in the glutathione redox system.

Animals—16 adult horses in pairs: 8 healthy (control) and 8 RAO-affected horses.

Procedures—Physical examination data and biological samples were collected from horses before (remission), during, and after (recovery) environmental challenge with dusty straw and hay. At each stage, BALF cell AA concentration and RBC, WBC, and BALF cell cGPx activity were measured.

Results—Compared with control horses, RAO-affected horses had significantly higher cGPx activity in RBCs at all points and in WBCs during remission and challenge. The BALF cell cGPx activity was higher in RAO-affected horses during recovery than during remission The BALF cell AA concentration did not differ significantly in control horses at any point, but total and free AA concentrations were significantly lower in RAO-affected horses during the challenge period than during remission and recovery periods.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—High cGPx activity suggested this redox system was upregulated during exposure to dusty straw and hay to combat oxidative stress, as AA was depleted in RAO-affected horses. The relative delay and lack of comparative increase in cGPx activity within the local environment (represented by BALF cells), compared with that in RBCs and WBCs, might contribute to disease in RAO-affected horses.

Contributor Notes

Dr. Christmann's present address is the Center of Imaging and Research in Equine Locomotor Affections, National Veterinary School of Alfort, Goustranville, France, 14430.

Address correspondence to Dr. Tan (tanr@vt.edu).
Cover American Journal of Veterinary Research
American Journal of Veterinary Research
ISSN:
0002-9645
Publication Date:
01 Dec 2010
  • 1

    Ainsworth DM, Hackett RP. Disorders of the respiratory system. In: Reed SM, Bayly WM, Sellon DC, eds. Equine internal medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Saunders, 2004;289–354.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 2

    Robinson NE. International workshop on equine chronic airway disease. Equine Vet J 2001; 33:5–19.

  • 3

    Naylor JN, Clark EG, Clayton HM. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: usefulness of clinical signs, bronchoalveolar lavage, and lung biopsy as diagnostic and prognostic aids. Can Vet J 1992; 33:591–598.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 4

    Riedl MA, Nel AE. Importance of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis and treatment of asthma. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2008; 8:49–56.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 5

    Macnee W & Rahman I. Is oxidative stress central to the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease? Trends Mol Med 2001; 7:55–62.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 6

    Barnes PJ. Mediators of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Pharmacol Rev 2004; 56:515–548.

  • 7

    Kirschvink N, Art T, de Moffarts B, et al. Relationship between markers of blood oxidant status and physiological variables in healthy and heaves-affected horses after exercise. Equine Vet J Suppl 2002;(34):159–164.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 8

    Art T, Kirschvink N, Smith NC, et al. Indices of oxidative stress in blood and pulmonary epithelium lining fluid in horses suffering from recurrent airway obstruction. Equine Vet J 1999; 31:397–401.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 9

    Deaton CM, Marlin DJ, Smith NC, et al. Antioxidant and inflammatory responses of healthy horses and horses affected by recurrent airway obstruction to inhaled ozone. Equine Vet J 2005; 37:243–249.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 10

    Deaton CM, Marlin DJ, Smith NC, et al. Pulmonary epithelial lining fluid and plasma ascorbic acid concentrations in horses affected by recurrent airway obstruction. Am J Vet Res 2004; 65:80–87.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 11

    Macnee W & Rahman I. Oxidants and antioxidants as therapeutic targets in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 1999; 160:S58–S65.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 12

    Rahman I & MacNee W. Regulation of redox glutathione levels and gene transcription in lung inflammation: therapeutic approaches. Free Radic Biol Med 2000; 28:1405–1420.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 13

    Repine JE. Oxidative stress in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 1997; 156:341–357.

  • 14

    Cross CE, Van de Vliet A, O'Neill CA, et al. Reactive oxygen species and the lung. Lancet 1994; 344:930–933.

  • 15

    Barnes PJ. Pathophysiology of asthma. Br J Clin Pharmacol 1996; 42:3–10.

  • 16

    Southorn PA & Powis G. Free radicals in medicine. I. Chemical nature and biologic reactions. Mayo Clin Proc 1988; 63:381–389.

  • 17

    Bowler RP, Crapo JD. Oxidative stress in allergic respiratory diseases. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2002; 110:349–356.

  • 18

    Kirkham P & Rahman I. Oxidative stress in asthma and COPD: antioxidants as a therapeutic strategy. Pharmacol Ther 2006; 111:476–494.

  • 19

    Rahman I & MacNee W. Oxidative stress and regulation of glutathione in lung inflammation. Eur Respir J 2000; 16:534–554.

  • 20

    Deneke SM, Fanburg BL. Regulation of cellular glutathione. Am J Physiol 1989; 257:L163–L173.

  • 21

    Kirschvink N, Smith N, Fievez L, et al. Effect of chronic airway inflammation and exercise on pulmonary and systemic antioxidant status of healthy and heaves-affected horses. Equine Vet J 2002; 34:563–571.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 22

    Kramaric P, Pavlica Z, Koklic T, et al. Membrane switch hypothesis. 2. Domain structure of phagocytes in horses with recurrent airway obstruction. J Chem In J Model 2005; 45:1708–1715.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 23

    Deaton CM. The role of oxidative stress in an equine model of human asthma. Redox Rep 2006; 11:46–52.

  • 24

    Deaton CM, Marlin DJ, Smith NC, et al. Antioxidant supplementation in horses affected by recurrent airway obstruction. J Nutr 2004; 134:2065S–2067S.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 25

    Robinson NE, Olsewski MA, Boehler D, et al. Relationship between clinical signs and lung function in horses with recurrent airway obstruction (heaves) during a bronchodilator trial. Equine Vet J 2000; 32:393–400.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 26

    Williams CA, Kronfield DS, Kess TM, et al. Antioxidant supplementation and subsequent oxidative stress of horses during an 80-km endurance race. J Anim Sci 2004; 82:588–594.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 27

    Levine M, Wang Y, Rumsey SC. Analysis of ascorbic acid and dehydroascorbic acid in biological samples. Methods Enzymol 1999; 299:65–76.

  • 28

    Behrens WA & Madere R. A procedure for the separation and quantitative analysis of ascorbic acid, dehydroascorbic acid, isoascorbic acid, and dehydroisoascorbic acid in food and animal tissue. J Liq Chromatogr 1994; 17:2445–2455.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 29

    Vrins A, Doucet M & Nunez-Ochoa L. A retrospective study of bronchoalevolar lavage cytology in horses with clinical findings of small airway disease. Zentralbl Veterinarmed A 1991; 38:472–479.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 30

    Ay H, Topal T, Uysal B, et al. Time-dependent course of hyperbaric oxygen-induced oxidative effects in rat lung and erythrocytes. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2007; 34:787–791.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 31

    Tkacova R, Kluchova Z, Joppa P, et al. Systemic inflammation and systemic oxidative stress in patients with acute exacerbations of COPD. Respir Med 2007; 101:1670–1676.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 32

    Nadeem A, Raj HG, Chhabra SK. Increased oxidative stress and altered levels of antioxidants in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Inflammation 2005; 29:23–32.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 33

    Ferrer MD, Sureda A, Batle JM, et al. Scuba diving enhances endogenous antioxidant defenses in lymphocytes and neutrophils. Free Radic Res 2007; 41:274–281.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 34

    Tauler P, Sureda A, Cases N, et al. Increased lymphocyte antioxidant defences in response to exhaustive exercise do not prevent oxidative damage. J Nutr Biochem 2006; 17:665–671.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 35

    Avissar NE, Reed CK, Cox C, et al. Ozone, but not nitrogen dioxide, exposure decreases glutathione peroxidases in epithelial lining fluid of human lung. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2000; 162:1342–1347.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 36

    Deaton CM, Marlin DJ, Smith NC, et al. Effect of acute airway inflammation on the pulmonary antioxidant status. Exp Lung Res 2005; 31:653–670.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 37

    Deaton CM, Marlin DJ, Smith NC, et al. Pulmonary bioavailability of ascorbic acid in an ascorbate-synthesising species, the horse. Free Radic Res 2003; 37:461–467.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 38

    Deaton CM, Marlin DJ, Smith NC, et al. Antioxidant supplementation and pulmonary function at rest and exercise. Equine Vet J Suppl 2002;(34):58–65.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

Advertisement