Useful immunohistochemical indicators in canine mast cell tumours

Morphological and immunohistochemical analysis of 45 canine mast cell tumours was performed to determine whether the proteins examined are useful for a more precise description of tumour morphology and a more reliable determination of the prognosis in patients. Tissue sections were stained according to the standard haematoxylin and eosin (HE) technique and with toluidine blue to demonstrate cytoplasmic granules. Immunohistochemical studies were performed, using the cell markers CD117 (c-kit), p16 and von Willebrand factor (FVIII). In CD117 three different staining patterns were observed: (1) membranous reaction, (2) intense staining of cytoplasm, and (3) a diffuse, delicate cytoplasmic reaction. Von Willebrand antibody was evaluated on the basis of the number of blood vessels stained. p16 expression was evaluated by scoring positive nuclear reaction. Positive expression was demonstrated for all examined antigens, but their level of expression differed depending on the grades of tumour malignancy. Statistical analysis of the results documented a pronounced positive correlation between the markers studied and the grade of tumour malignancy (P < 0.001). It was shown that each of the cell markers examined represents a useful prognostic indicator for patients with mast cell tumours. The calculated correlation coefficients demonstrate a strong association between the expressions of CD117, FVIII and p16, and the histological malignancy of a tumour

Immunohistochemical diagnostic of hibernoma in dog

The diagnosis of hibernoma is uncommon in veterinary medicine. In this report, we present an attempt to confirm hibernoma diagnosed in dogs by applying immunohistochemical tests routinely used in human pathology i.e. antibodies specific to protein S100, protein CD31, or smooth muscle actin (SMA)

Morphological analysis of testicles in cats with disorders of sex development

Disorders of sex development (DSD) are rare in cats. They can be caused by chromosomal aberrations, gene mutations or other undefined factors. The aim of the present study was to compare the histological structure and immunohistochemical reactivity of testes in cats with DSD and in healthy cats. The research material consisted of the gonads of four cats – phenotypic males with an incorrect structure of the reproductive system. The control group consisted of the testes of four healthy cats – routinely castrated phenotypical males. The material was fixed with formalin and embedded in paraffin; the sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The immunohistochemical investigation were performed using monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies directed against desmin, vimentin, actin of smooth muscles, S100 protein and MCM3 protein. The results obtained allow concluding that the testes of cats with DSD differed in certain respects, mainly in the number of blood vessels, from the normal testes. Moreover, the results of immunohistochemical examination indicate that in the testes of cats with DSD the number of supporting cells is lower, the amount of interstitial cells is comparable and spermatogenesis is correct es compared to those determined in the control gonads. The number of blood vessels in cats with DSD is reduced by about 30%. It confirms the recommendations for castration of these animals in order to eliminate the potential inheritance of sex development disorders

An immunohistochemical analysis of lymphocytic infiltrations in canine skin cancers

Lymphocytic infiltrations located in the extracellular matrix often accompany canine skin cancer. They can be characterised as an inflammatory infiltration and/or a second tumour – lymphoma. The aim of this study was an immunohistochemical analysis of a lymphocytic infiltration which accompanies spontaneous skin cancer. Twenty basal cell carcinoma, 20 non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma, 20 keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma and 8 sebaceous gland carcinoma samples which were accompanied by a lymphocytic infiltration and/or secondary lymphatic follicles were verified histopathologically. The expression of bcl-2, CD3, CD79α, Ki-67, MCM-3 and MCM-7 in the lymphocytic infiltration was evaluated. Four types of lymphocytic infiltrations were found: I – diffuse bcl-2⁺, II – diffuse bcl-2⁻, III – follicular bcl-2⁺/⁻ where the centre was bcl-2⁻, and the marginal zone of the follicles and the extrafollicular area were bcl-2⁺ and IV – aggregated bcl-2⁺, where the centre and periphery were bcl-2⁺. The I and IV type corresponds to lymphoma, II type is non-neoplastic immune response and III type suggest reactive follicular hyperplasia. The proliferation of lymphocytes which demonstrated the expression of neoplastic markers (I and IV), suggests preneoplastic phase (pseudolymphoma) or lymphoma – the second independent tumour. A high proliferative index of the follicular blc-2⁺/⁻ follicular infiltration indicates an increased immunological response of the host against skin cancer

Sonoelastography in differentiation of benign and malignant testicular lesion in dogs

Present study aimed to evaluae the elasticity of tumorous testicular lesions and usefulness of the elastographic examination for diagnosing lesions in the testes. The study was carried out on nine dogs in which tumorous testicular lesions had been found in the ultrasonographic examination. In all the animals examined, the elastographic examination of the lesions was performed and then castration and the histopathological examination of specimens in order to determine the type of the changes. On the basis of the results of the histopathological examination the dogs were divided into two groups: group I - consisted of three dogs in which nonneoplastic testicular lesions were found and group II comprised six dogs in which neoplasic lesions that began in testicular interstitial cells (Leydigoma) were detected. The lesions observed in dogs of group I showed low stiffness (average 11.25 kPa, range 6.1 to 16.4 kPa), whereas the lesions found in dogs of group II were characterized by high stiffness (average 91.85 kPa, range 52.3 to 131.4 kPa). On the basis of a scale proposed by Goodie et al. (2012), the lesions in group I were in the range of SC1,and in turn, the lesions in group II were in the range of SC 3 inverted. Based on the results obtained, it can be stated that the sonoelastographic examination is useful method for the screening diagnostics of testicular lesions

Application of shear wave elastography in the diagnosis of mammary gland neoplasm in dogs

The aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of elastography in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant tumours of the mammary gland in dogs. The study was performed to 12 female dogs of different breeds aged 5-12 years in which tumoral lesions of the mammary gland were found in the clinical examination. In all the animals elastographic examination of the lesions was carried out and then the fine-needle aspiration biopsy was performed to determine the nature and degree of malignancy of the lesions. The examinations proved that benign neoplasms of the mammary gland showed low stiffness (average 22.42 kPa, range 19 to 42.4 kPa), whereas malignant neoplasms were characterized by high stiffness (average 235.44 kPa, range 171 to 300 kPa). On the basis of the results obtained we conclude that the elastography of proliferative lesions of the mammary gland is a useful diagnostic method for distinguishing benign neoplastic lesions from malignant neoplasms

Fine needle biopsy of abdominal organs in dogs – indications, contraindications and performance technique

Recent years have seen in both human and veterinary medicine the development of numerous techniques allowing for evaluation and classification of changes in individual organs and tissues. Despite introduction of such techniques into diagnostics as among others, CT, MRI, CEUS or elastography, biopsy is still considered a “golden standard” and it is a procedure performed in order to obtain a final diagnosis. There are many biopsy techniques, such as fine needle aspiration biopsy, core biopsy as well as methods of performing a procedure, e.g. blind biopsy, biopsy under USG control and biopsy during laparotomy. In the article usefulness of biopsy techniques in relation to diagnostics of individual abdominal organ, as well as the procedure technique, contraindication and complications are discussed

Comparative analysis of markers of cell proliferation in canine mast cell tumours according to current classifications

The study aimed at immunohistochemical analysis of various markers of cell proliferation and comparison of the results with canine mast cell tumours grading systems according to the Patnaik and Kiupel. Tissue sections were stained using classical technique with haematoxylin and eosin, and immunohistochemical studies were performed with Ki-67, PCNA and MCM-3 antibodies. Additionally the mitotic index was assessed. Statistical analysis including rank correlation Spearman's and ANOVA Friedman analysis was performed. The significance was set at p<0.05. Expression of all examined antigens was detected. The results obtained allow concluding that there is a strong relationship between all the cell markers. However, due to the very strong response and positive reaction in the majority of tumours PCNA is not recommended as a prognostic indicator. Ki-67 and MCM-3 can be successfully used in the evaluation of canine mast cell tumours