Characterization of a Population of Unique Granular Lymphocytes in a Bitch Deciduoma, Using a Panel of Histo- and Immunohistochemical Markers

Abstract

Abstract. The ovaries and uterus were collected after ovariohysterectomy from a 16-month-old Labrador bitch in diestrus that never mated. Discrete swellings were found in the uterine horns, with the macroscopic appearance of normal early pregnancy. At histologic examination, the endometrium, devoid of any conceptus and chorion, showed a marked proliferation, on the basis of which a diagnosis of deciduoma was made. A remarkable population of stromal eosinophilic granular lymphocytes was present, especially in the axis of the endometrial folds. Periodic acid-Schiff and Dolichos biflorus-lectin histochemical reaction and a panel of 10 immunohistochemical markers were used to characterize eosinophilic granular cells. Our findings allowed us to compare these granular cells with the granulated decidual cells, whose presence was until now described only in primates, rodents, or a few other epitheliochorial species. On the basis of our results, the importance of eosinophilic granular cells in a decidualization process is hypothesized to occur also in the bitch.

Molecular etiopathology of naturally occurring reproductive diseases in female goats

“…Dawood reported a case of hydrosalpinx in infertile goats associated with cystic lesions in the genitalia [ 49 ]. In humans and animals, hydrosalpinx causes a negative effect on gametes and fertilization thereby lowering the endometrial receptivity and results in impairment or reduction in pregnancy rate [ 50 ].…”

Do molecular signals from the conceptus influence endometrium decidualization in rodents?

“…However, research with these mice clearly shows that uNK cells are required for maintaining a normal decidua and spiral arteriole modifications, as seen in the second half of pregnancy (Ashkar and Croy, '01; Croy and others, '00b; Ashkar and others, '03; Chantakru and others, '02; Guimond and others, '98; Guimond and others, '96). Finally, the importance of uNK cells in implantation is likely not only restricted to rodents since uNK cell recruitment during early pregnancy may be a conserved feature in other mammalian species, albeit with different modes of implantation (Croy and others, '06; Arrighi and others, '07; Engelhardt and others, '02). …”