Photosensitization induced by Heterophyllaea pustulata in goats: sequential development of skin lesions

MICHELOUD J; LUJAN L; COLQUE-CARO LA; NÚÑEZ MONTOYA SC; BARBEITO CG; PORTIANSKY EL; GIMENO EJ

VETERINARY PATHOLOGY

AMER COLL VET PATHOLOGIST

Año: 2021 vol. 58 p. 568 - 573

0300-9858

Five adult Saanen goats received a single oral dose of Heterophyllaea pustulata containing 42.25 mg/kg rubiadin (anthraquinone).Treated goats and 3 adult untreated goats (controls) were exposed to sunlight and sequential ear skin biopsies, collected beforetreatment, and at 32 hours, 3 days, 8 days, and 15 days after treatment, were examined. Changes at 32 hours after dosing includedepidermal spongiosis, single cell death and acantholysis, an increased BAX/BCL-2 protein ratio, and dermal edema. Lesions at day3 included epidermal and adnexal necrosis, crust formation, and acanthosis. Acanthosis, hyperkeratosis, and dermal fibrosis andneovascularization were present at day 15. Pro-apoptotic (BAX)/anti-apoptotic (BCL-2) protein ratio increased at 32 hours,whereas epidermal and dermal PCNA immunolabeling increased between days 8 and 15 after treatment. The cutaneous lesionswere consistent with sunlight-induced damage, and the occurrence in treated but not control goats indicates photosensitization