Immunostaining of micrometastases of spontaneous mammary neoplasias of bitches in lymph nodes through receptor CD44

Abstract

The CD44 is an adhesion molecule, which belongs to the multifunctional family of transmembrane glycoproteins and is closely related to tumor progression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunostaining for CD44 in malignant mammary neoplasia of female dogs, with and without metastasis at the regional lymph nodes, assign it as a prognostic factor in early detection of metastases; relate it with the immunostaining for MMP-9, e-cadherin and VEGF. The experimental groups were: dogs with mammary tumor, with (Group M) or without metastasis (Group N) detectable in lymph nodes. The mammary tumors were classified according to the World Health Organization. The technique of immunohistochemistry was used in paraffin-embedded samples. To determine the percentage of immunostaining was considered only the neoplastic epithelial cells. For the CD44 antibody was used the immunostaining on T lymphocytes in lymph nodes of both groups. The immunostaining on T lymphocytes were higher in group N and lower in group M. There was significant increase in CD44 immunostaining in the site of the primary tumor (neoplastic epithelial cells) for metastasis, as well as the staining of MMP-9 and E-cadherin. It was concluded that CD44 may act together with other molecules, such as MMP-9 and E-cadherin. It is proposed that early detection of micrometastasis is made on T lymphocytes in lymph nodes draining malignant mammary neoplasms in female dogs.