Laminar Regulation of STAT1 and STAT3 in Black Walnut Extract and Carbohydrate Overload Induced Models of Laminitis

Abstract

Background: STAT1 and STAT3 are important signaling molecules in disorders of systemic inflammation and are likely to be involved in laminitis, as laminar and systemic inflammation have been well documented in experimental models of laminitis. Hypothesis: The STAT1 and STAT3 activation (via phosphorylation of tyrosine and serine moieties) is occurring in the laminar tissue during the developmental and onset of lameness time points in both the black walnut extract (BWE) and carbohydrate overload (CHO) models of laminitis. Animals: Archived laminar tissue from horses. Methods: Experimental studies of induced laminitis (BWE and CHO administration) in horses were conducted and laminar tissue samples archived. Western hybridization was performed to determine concentrations of Tyr- and Ser-phosphorylated STAT1 and STAT3 from these archived samples. The RT-qPCR was also performed to assess mRNA concentrations of target genes of STAT1 and STAT3. Results: Increases (P