Expression of EGF receptors in canine prostate with proliferative inflammatory atrophy and carcinoma

Abstract

Gene expression of ErbB1 and ErbB2, and immunostaining of EGFR (Her1) and Her2 (c-erbB-2) were evaluated in this study to ascertain whether these receptors are involved in the evolution of canine premalignant and malignant prostatic lesions, as proliferative inflammatory atrophy (PIA) and prostatic carcinoma (PC). With regards to the intensity of EGFR immunostaining, there was no difference between normal prostatic tissue and tissues with PIA or PC. In relation to Her2 immunostaining, there were differences between normal prostatic tissue and those with PIA and PC, as also differences between prostates with PIA and PC. There was no correlation between EGFR and Her2 immunostaining. ErbB1 gene product was detected in two normal tissue samples, in one with PIA, and in all samples with PC. ErbB2 mRNA was recorded in two canine samples with PIA, in all with PC, but was not detected in normal prostatic tissue. It was concluded that EGFR and Her2 play roles in canine PIA and PC, suggesting that those receptors may be involved in canine prostatic carcinogenesis.

Comparative Pathobiology of Canine and Human Prostate Cancer: State of the Art and Future Directions

“…As Ki67, HER1, and HER2, members of the epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) family are also up regulated in prostate cancer [ 111 , 112 ]. Reports have indicated a gain in the number of copies of the HER2 gene, which results in frequent overexpression of the protein not only in prostate tumors [ 113 ] but also in PIA [ 111 ]. Faleiro et al [ 111 ] detected mRNA of the HER1 gene in all evaluated cases of canine PC although present in normal tissue and pre-neoplastic lesions.…”

“…Reports have indicated a gain in the number of copies of the HER2 gene, which results in frequent overexpression of the protein not only in prostate tumors [ 113 ] but also in PIA [ 111 ]. Faleiro et al [ 111 ] detected mRNA of the HER1 gene in all evaluated cases of canine PC although present in normal tissue and pre-neoplastic lesions. Thus, these results reaffirm the idea that these receptors are involved in carcinogenesis and tumor development in the canine prostate.…”