Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
2438795 Journal of Comparative Pathology 2006 10 Pages PDF
Abstract

SummarySamples of 39 canine mammary gland tumours (MGTs) were examined immunohistochemically for oestrogen receptor (ER-α), Bcl-2 protein and Ki67 antigen, and by TUNEL assay for apoptosis. ER-α was expressed by 80% (31/39) of the tumours, including all of the 15 benign tumours and 67% (16/42) of the malignant tumours. ER-α expression was greater in the benign than in the malignant tumours (P<0.01). Bcl-2 protein was detected in 62% (24/39) of the MGTs, of which 67% (10/15) were benign and 58% (14/24) malignant. No significant difference in Bcl-2 expression between benign and malignant tumours was detected. The Ki67 and TUNEL indices were greater in malignant than in benign tumours (P<0.01). Correlation analysis suggested that ER-α and Bcl-2 expression were related, but this observation lacked statistical significance. The levels of cell proliferation and apoptosis did not appear to be significantly correlated with the expression of Bcl-2. A positive relationship was apparent between cell proliferation and apoptosis, whilst a negative correlation between ER-α and cell proliferation was demonstrated. In conclusion, the suggestion of a positive correlation between ER-α and Bcl-2 in canine MGTs indicates that ER may be the regulator of Bcl-2 protein, as in human breast cancer. In contrast to cell proliferation and apoptosis, ER-α and Bcl-2 expression were greater in benign MGTs than in their malignant counterparts.

Related Topics
Life Sciences Agricultural and Biological Sciences Animal Science and Zoology
Authors
, , , , , ,