Determination of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and epidermal growth factor receptor in canine vaginal tumors and vaginal fold prolapse: A preliminary study

Abstract

Eight dogs with a vaginal mass were incorporated into the study. According to the vaginal examination (vaginoscopy, exfoliative vaginal cytology) and histopathology, the groups were designed as vaginal fold prolapse (Group VFP; n=3) and vaginal tumor (Group VT; n=5). Vaginal tissue samples were homogenized. Tissue homogenates were analyzed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to determine the levels of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The mean ER level was significantly higher in group VT compared to the group VFP (P<0.05). However, PR and EGFR levels did not showed significance related to the groups (P>0.05). In conclusion, significant differences were obtained between the bitches with VT and VFP related to ER levels although both groups have pathological conditions. Further studies are needed to discuss these pathologies with healthy bitches in terms of steroid receptor and EGFR levels in both vaginal tissue and blood sera.