Immunology in Veterinary Medicine

Christoph Hinterseher, Veterinarian and Bionatural scientist, Munich, Germany

“… the warrior, the warrior in us!”\

When discussing the immune system of mammals, it is important to discuss the connective tissue, more specifically the term “reticuloendothelial tissue.”
Reticuloendothelial tissue, also known as reticular connective tissue, is part of the body’s immune system. It consists of specialized cells that are distributed throughout the body and play an important role in defending against pathogens and eliminating waste products. These cells can recognize, phagocytose and destroy foreign substances in order to maintain the health of the mammalian organism. Reticuloendothelial tissue is involved in the production of antibodies and the regulation of the immune response. It is also an important component of the body’s defense mechanisms and contributes to the maintenance of a healthy immune system.

Concept of innate immunity (“non-specific immunity”)

Innate immunity refers to the body’s natural defense mechanisms, which are already developed and differentiated at birth and do not specifically target certain pathogens. This non-specific immunity includes physical barriers such as the skin and mucous membranes as well as cellular and molecular defense mechanisms such as macrophages, natural killer cells and inflammatory responses. This first line of defense of the body helps to ward off potential pathogens before the adaptive immune system is activated.

Concept of acquired immunity (“specific immunity”)

Acquired immunity or “lymphocytic defense” refers to the body’s specific defense response against certain pathogens that it develops over the course of a lifetime. This type of immunity is based on the formation of antibodies and specific activated B lymphocytes, plasma cells, which are formed after an infection or vaccination against a specific pathogen. The adaptive immune system (or acquired immunity) enables the body to “remember” previous infections and respond to them more quickly and effectively in order to prevent or effectively mitigate a new infection.

Concept of hypersensitivity reaction (“allergy”)

A hypersensitivity reaction is an unusually strong reaction of the immune system to certain substances, allergens, which are normally harmless. This can lead to symptoms such as a skin rash, itching, swelling, breathing difficulties or even life-threatening conditions.

Concept of autcimmune disease (“auto aggression”)

An autoimmune disease is a condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the body’s own tissue. This can lead to inflammation, damage to organs and various symptoms. Autoimmune diseases can affect many different organs and tissues.

Concept of “inflammation” (regeneration / repair)

Inflammation is a complex reaction of the body to harmful stimuli such as injuries, infections or irritants. Various cells and messenger substances are activated in order to repair the damage and protect the body from further damage. Typical signs of inflammation are redness, swelling, pain and overheating in the affected area.

• Rubor – Redness

• Calor – Heat

• Dolor – Pain

• Tumor – Swelling

• Functio laesa – limited function

Anatomy

Cellular immunity (non-specific immunity represented by monocytes and granulocytes, and specific immunity represented by lymphocytes)

• Monocytes (macrophages, stationary macrophages)

• Granulocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils)

• Lymphocytes (T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, “plasma cells”)

Humoral immunity as part of non-specific immunity is represented by

• Lysozyme

• Acute phase proteins, complement factors

• Interferons, interleukins, cytokines

Specific immunity is represented humorally by antibodies (immun(o)globulins, gamma globulins).

AIRE “Autoimmune regulator”

AIRE describes an allostatic control signal for protection against allergies and autoimmune disease. It includes the response of “myeloid T-suppressor cells, MDSCs”, as an essential protector against immunogenic escalation.

“Immune system and the others

The immune system and stress
The immune system and stress are closely linked. Stress can affect the immune system by increasing the production of various stress hormones such as cortisol, which in turn can weaken the body’s immune response. Chronic stress can lead to a permanent activation of the immune system. This can lead to inflammation and a weakened immune system.

Immune system and the mesolimbic system

The immune system and the mesolimbic system are two complex systems in the body that can interact with each other in different ways. The immune system is responsible for defending against pathogens and maintaining health. The mesolimbic system plays a role in the regulation of reward mechanisms and emotions. There is evidence that inflammatory processes triggered by the immune system can have an impact on the mesolimbic system and vice versa. Dysregulation in one of the two systems can therefore affect the other and lead to various health problems.

Immune system and lack of exercise

A sedentary lifestyle can have a significant negative impact on the performance of the immune system in animals and humans. Regular physical activity is essential to strengthen the immune system and its processes and thus support the body’s defenses. Exercise stimulates various metabolic processes in the body that improve immune function or enable the redistribution of important mediators: for example, the increased production of immune cells and the release of anti-inflammatory substances takes place in proportion to increased circulatory performance. A lack of exercise, on the other hand, can lead to a weakening of the immune system, which can increase the risk of infections and inflammation.

Immune system and the (micro)biome

The immune system and the (micro)biome are closely intertwined and to some extent influence each other. The (micro)biome consists of a large number of microorganisms from the groups of bacteria, viruses, fungi, unicellular protozoa and algae that colonize the internal and external surfaces of the mammal’s body, in particular the intestinal mucosa (“intestinal flora”) and mucocutaneous areas (“skin flora”). Interaction with microorganisms plays an important role in the regulation of the immune system and helps to ward off harmful pathogens while promoting healthy (bacterial) colonization. A healthy (micro)biome therefore helps to strengthen the immune system and protect against infections. On the other hand, the immune system also influences the (micro)biome. The immune response system regulates the composition and activity of microorganisms in the body by fighting harmful bacteria and supporting beneficial bacteria in the mammal’s body and metabolism. Impaired immune function can therefore lead to dysbiosis in the (micro)biome, which in turn can cause various health problems. A healthy interaction between the immune system and the (micro)biome is crucial for maintaining a strong and functional immune function and thus effectively preventing disease.

Immunomodulation

“Uncaria doctrine”: cat’s claw, Uncaria tomentosa
Active substance group of oxindole alkaloids, especially Rhynchophylline.
Dosage:
Humans: 1.5 g / 70 kg body weight / per day / for 14 days, during therapy
Dog, Cat: 1.5 g / 10 kg body weight / per day / for 14 days, during therapy
Horse: 7.5 g / 500 kg body weight / per day / for 14 days, during therapy