Assessment of CD11b and CD11/18 integrin expression on leukocytes of dogs with atopic dermatitis

Cytometric analysis was performed in order to detect the expression of surface molecules CD11b and CD11/18 on lymphocytes, granulocytes, and monocytes of peripheral blood of dogs with atopic dermatitis (AD) complicated by purulent dermatitis. The percentage of peripheral blood lymphocytes with CD11b and CD11/18 was found to be significantly higher (P < 0.05) in dogs with AD than in healthy dogs. The percentage of granulocytes expressing CD11b molecule was significantly lower in dogs with complicated AD compared to healthy dogs and dogs with uncomplicated AD. The expression of CD11b and CD11/18 integrin on monocytes of dogs with complicated AD depended on the severity of symptoms and was higher in dogs with deep purulent dermatitis. It was concluded that the expression of CD11b and CD11/18 integrin on leukocytes of dogs with AD depends on the stage of the disease.