Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Canine Ovarian Cysts

Abstract

ABSTRACT. To clarify the immunohistochemical characteristics of canine ovarian cysts, 109 canine ovarian cysts (57 cysts of subsurface epithelial structures: SES, 26 graafian follicle cysts, 12 cystic rete ovarii and 14 cysts difficult to classify morphologically) were examined regarding their lining cells immunohistochemically using antibodies against placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP), S100, inhibin α, desmin and AE1/AE3. Both cysts of SES and cystic rete ovarii had a positive immunoreaction to desmin and AE1/AE3, whereas all cysts all but graafian follicle cysts were negative for inhibin α. PLAP-positive immunoreaction was observed only in cysts of SES. Graafian follicle cysts had a positive immunoreaction to inhibin α, but were negative for PLAP, desmin and AE1/AE3. Fourteen cysts were difficult to classify morphologically because these cysts had single-squamous lining cells and lacked other morphological characteristics. However, these unclassified cysts were immunohistochemically divided into two groups, including positive and negative cysts, by the reactivity of PLAP. The PLAP-positive cysts were considered large cysts of SES. These results suggest that PLAP was a useful marker for classification of cysts of SES, although cysts originating from SES are not always positive for this antigen. KEY WORDS: canine, immunohistochemistry, ovarian cyst.

Gross Pathology and Endocrinology of Ovarian Cysts in Bitches

“…Pursuing research is needed to further characterize cystic structures of the ovaries, which in detail is only possible by histological and immunohistochemical examination (Akihara et al 2007; Ortega-Pacheco et al 2007). …”

“…Most previous studies of ovarian cysts in bitches are either case reports, focusing on one or a few individuals (Shille et al 1984; Ervin and Homans 1986; Arlt et al 2011; Sontas et al 2011), or studies focusing on one attribute of the disease or another (e.g. histology or reproductive pathologies at all) (Trasch et al 2003; Akihara et al 2007; Ortega-Pacheco et al 2007). While these previous studies have provided invaluable information about the nature of the disease in dogs, additional details about the connection between gross pathology and endocrinology of ovarian cysts in dogs are needed for a better understanding of their potential for causing disease.…”

Bilateral Ovarian Cysts Originating from Rete Ovarii in an African Green Monkey (<i>Cercopithecus Aethiops</i>)

“…Ovarian cysts in women are often associated with reproductive disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) [6]. They have been also reported in many animals, including dogs, cats, cattle, horses, pigs and monkeys [1,11,12]. Among monkeys, ovarian cysts in macaques such as rhesus and cynomolgus monkeys have been well documented in previous reports [3,12].…”

“…The cells lining cysts also lose their original structure with the expansion of the cysts [1]. Therefore, immunohistochemistry can be useful in differentiating different types of ovarian cysts.…”

Cystic Rete Ovarii and Uterine Tube Adenoma in a Rabbit

“…However, cystic rete ovarii, which is another cystic lesion of the ovary, is rather rare in animals including the dog, cat, guinea pig and African green monkey [8,9,10, 13]. Moreover, immunohistochemical observations of cystic rete ovarii in animals are very limited, which makes it difficult to determine the origin of the cyst [1]. Recently, the authors have reported a case of cystic rete testis in a male rabbit [6].…”