Changes in Adipose mRNA Expression between Previously Laminitic Ponies and Nonlaminitic Ponies in Summer and Winter

Reasons for performing study Some ponies are predisposed to recurrent pasture‐associated laminitis, but the mechanisms underlying this remain unclear. Adipose tissue is a highly metabolically active tissue that secretes mediators which affect vascular function, insulin signalling and inflammation, all of which are potentially implicated in the pathogenesis of laminitis. Objectives To determine whether the gene expression of adipose tissue from previously laminitic ponies (LP) differs from nonlaminitic ponies (NL). Study design Subcutaneous adipose tissue was collected by biopsy from the neck region of healthy LP and NL (n = 6 each group) in the summer and winter. Methods Gene expression was determined using a 44 K equine expression microarray. Data were analysed using GeneSpring and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. Genes with >2‐fold difference, P