Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Queensland, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references.

published_or_final_version / abstract / toc / Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine / Master / Master of Philosophy

Diseases of the eye are common problems in dogs and can be painful, therapeutically challenging and distressing to both patient and owner. Ocular disease can result in visual impairment, vision loss or, in severe cases, enucleation. Much of the tissue damage that occurs during ocular disease results from the activity of secreted proteins that control processes such as inflammation, blood vessel growth, cellular proliferation and cellular death. These proteins are called growth factors and cytokines. The purpose of this study was to examine the expression and effects of one such cytokine, interleukin 11, in the canine eye. Interleukin 11 was found to be constitutively expressed in all layers of the canine cornea at both the protein and message level. Treatment of primary corneal cell cultures with TGF-β1 resulted in a statistically significant increase in IL-11 expression in the corneal epithelium, fibroblasts and endothelium. In order to study the biological effects of IL-11 on the canine cornea, a presumptive corneal epithelial cell line (DCE39R) was created. Such a cell line represents an important, and previously unavailable, tool to study the effects of cytokines on the corneal epithelium itself as well as create corneal constructs for research and therapeutic work. Research done using this cell line demonstrated that IL-11 has a pro-migratory effect on the corneal epithelial cells and provides a cytoprotective effect in the case of nutrient deprivation. It however, does not induce proliferation of the canine corneal epithelial cells. This study serves as an important building block for future research on the effect of IL-11 in the canine cornea, and it also provides an important tool for future research: the cell line DCE39R. / Pet Trust

Bibliography: leaves 172-214. / 214 leaves, [41] leaves of plates : ill. (some col.) ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a heterodimeric cytokine composed of two disulphide-linked subunits, p35 and p40, which form biologically active p70. IL-12 is able to induce IFN-y production from T and NK cells, and promote the proliferation of mitogen-activated T cells. It is thought that IL-12 may be an important cytokine in the initiation and progression of allograft destruction. This thesis describes the characterisation of ovine IL-12. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Medicine, 2000

Universiẗat, Diss., 2007--Giessen.

Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, Dept. of Medicine, 2000. / Bibliography: leaves 172-214.

Hohenheim, Univ., Diss., 2008. / Text engl.

Ulm, Univ., Diss., 2008.

Thesis (Master)--İzmir Institute of Technology, İzmir, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves. 51-64).

Tübingen, Univ., Diss., 2005.