AE1/AE3, Vimentin and p63 immunolocalization in canine mammary gland tumours: Roles in differentiation between luminal epithelial and myoepithelial lineages

Abstract

Mammary tumors are by far the most common tumors in female dogs and effective treatment relies on prompt and accurate diagnostic procedures. Canine mammary tumors may originate from various cell types, such as luminal epithelial, myoepithelial and stromal cells. This study aimed to differentiate luminal epithelial and myoepithelial lineages, using specific markers including AE1/AE3, Vimentin, and p63. Such data can be useful for prognosis. Canine mammary tumors were collected by surgical resection and tissue samples were investigated using the avidin-biotin-immunoperoxidase method with used primary antibodies against AE1/AE3, vimentin, and p63. Luminal epithelial-origin tumors were found to be immunoreactive with AE1/AE3 and vimentin monoclonal antibody, while myoepithelial-origin tumors were positive for p63 and vimentin. In addition, canine mixed tumors showed reactivity with all three antibodies. In summary, AE1/AE3, p63 and vimentin can be used as specific immunohistochemical markers to distinguish lumino-epithelial and myoepithelial lineages of canine mammary tumors.