Ganglioneurite mienterica in corso di enteropatia enzootica del coniglio : osservazioni istologiche ed immunoistochimiche

Introduction: Rabbit Enzootic Enteropathy (REE) is a fatal condition in rabbit characterized by clinical evidences of ciecal paralysis (CP) and intestinal dystonia. Recent studies carried out in human medicine indicated intestinal and celiac ganglionitis as important factor involved in intestinal dystonia. In this respect, aim of this communication is to evaluate ganglionic lesions in rabbit during spontaneous REE. M&M: 15 rabbit were submitted to necropsy, during which intestinal samples for bacteriology, histology and immunohistochemistry (using antibodies against Synaptofisin (Syn), HSP 27, c – Kit and CD79, were taken. Results: Constant findings were bacteriological EC isolation and histological evidence of enterotiflitis from lymphocytic to heterophilic. Enteric and celiac ganglia were characterized by moderate lymphocytic (CD79 +) ganglionitis, severe diffuse central chromatolysis, reduced Syn expression. HSP 27 cytoplasmic staining was intense in enteric epithelium as there as in neurons. Discussion: Our preliminary findings are consistent with severe ganglionic lesions in course of REE in rabbit. Further investigations are required to understand key role of bacteria derived toxins in inducing cell metabolic alterations and, finally, intestinal dystonia.