The effect of Ketotifen on reducing the inflammatory response in Newcastle disease in chickens

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran

2 Graduated from Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord- Iran

Abstract

In this study, the effect of ketotifen on Newcastle Disease (ND) lesions was evaluated. A total of 150 one-day-old Ross broiler chickens were randomly divided into 5 groups with three replicates. The chickens received Newcastle Disease Vaccine (NDV) and ketotifen with different regimens. Group 1, as a negative control, received no vaccine and virulent NDV. Group 2 received acute NDV and no vaccine. The chickens in group 3 received acute NDV and ketotifen at the same time. Group 4 received acute NDV and ketotifen (before and after virus administration). Group 5 received acute NDV and two doses of Lasota ND vaccine at 10 and 20 days of age. 24 h after challenge, 3 chickens from each group were randomly slaughtered and the proventriculus was collected in 10% formalin for histopathological examination. In addition, the proventriculus was collected 72 h after virus inoculation. Blood samples were collected 24 hours before and 1 week after NDV challenge to determine antibody titers against NDV. Mortality was monitored for 7 days after virus inoculation. Results showed that the comparison of HI antibody titer against NDV in different groups one week after challenge showed that there is a significant difference between groups 1 with others. The comparison of mast cell population in 24 h before challenge showed that the highest and lowest population of mast cells was seen in groups 1 and 5 (respectively), that there is a significant difference between these groups. In one week after challenge, there is no significant difference between all groups for mast cell population. NDV vaccination can increase the protection against NDV challenge. In addition, the administration of ketotifen can reduce the inflammatory process of NDV infection, causing less lesions and less mortality in chickens. 

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