Immunohistochemical Studies of Cytokeratins and Differentiation Markers in Bovine Ocular Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Bovine Ocular Squamous Cell Carcinoma is considered the most common bovine tumour, causing significant economic losses, mainly by abattoir condemnations. To obtain a better insight into the genesis and neoplastic transformation, 19 samples collected at slaughter from Holstein Friesian cattle and diagnosed as Ocular Squamous Cell Carcinoma were studied. Tumours were histologically classified into three categories: poorly (26.3%), moderately (26.3%), and well differentiated (47.4%). Expression of keratins (MNF116 and LP34) and of cornified envelope precursors (involucrin and profilaggrin) was studied. Expression of MNF116 was observed in all carcinomas. LP34 immunostaining was seen in all but three carcinomas, one from each degree. Involucrin immunoreaction was observed in all but one poorly differentiated carcinoma. Profilaggrin was present in only two moderately differentiated carcinomas, in all but one well differentiated, and in all but one poorly differentiated. MNF116 is a useful marker to confirm the epithelial origin of the tumour and stain most neoplastic cells in these tumours. The expression of involucrin and LP34 demonstrates that, in all tumours, cells have reached the final program of differentiation, regardless of the grade. The expression of profilaggrin could indicate molecular changes during malignant transformation but their expression does not seem to be of diagnostic value.

Prognostic significance of PCNA, MMP-9 and p53 in bovine ocular squamous cell carcinomas

“…2,12,26 Consistent with our results, in WD tumors, excessive and large numbers of keratin pearls, large tumoral islands, and evident squamous differentiation were reported in previous works. 6,12,26 We detected that the number and size of keratin pearls decreased in MD tumors compared to WD tumors similar to that reported by Sözmen et al 2 In addition, we also observed that tumoral islets were smaller in these cases, similar to keratin pearls, and the number of poorly differentiated tumor cells increased similar to that reported in previous literature. 5,26 We observed that keratinization was either absent or formed in individual cells in PD tumors as reported by Azarabad et al 22 We also found that tumor islets in PD tumors were quite small compared to MD and WD tumors, and pleomorphism increased considerably in accordance with the literature.…”

“…Ocular SCCs are frequently seen in cattle with unpigmented eyelids and conjunctiva (white faced cattle) such as Hereford, Holstein, and Simmental breeds. 6,8,27 Similar to the literature data, the majority of cases (90%) in our study were Simmental and Simmental cross-breed cattle. The most common age range for these tumors has been reported as 3 to 9 years by different researchers.…”

“…BOSCC is an invasive and chronically progressive tumor that can metastasize to the parotid lymph node, as well as invade the bone of orbit or adjacent structures. 6,11 In our study, we did not detect metastases in the parotid lymph node or any distant tissue. In addition, we demonstrated that MMP-9 expression increased in WD, MD, and PD groups compared to the control group.…”

“…5,26 We observed that keratinization was either absent or formed in individual cells in PD tumors as reported by Azarabad et al 22 We also found that tumor islets in PD tumors were quite small compared to MD and WD tumors, and pleomorphism increased considerably in accordance with the literature. 6,12 PCNA is a cell cycle protein that is routinely used in tumor staging and treatment planning.1 4 Especially in canine skin and breast tumors, PCNA is an important marker used to determine the internal malignancy and growth rate. 16 In the literature review, we did not find any study in which PCNA expression was investigated immunohistochemically in SCCs of cattle.…”

“…[3][4][5] The tumor is mostly detected in Hereford, Holstein, and Simmental cattle breeds; the incidence is more common in the age of 3 to 7 years; and the tumor has no sex pre-disposition. [6][7][8] BOSCC, which originates from the stratum spinosum cells of stratified squamous epithelium, can occur in different ocular and periocular tissues including the palpebral skin, epithelial surfaces of the cornea and conjunctiva, third eyelid, and limbus. 8,9 The tumor is typically ulcerative, firm, lobular, and has a cauliflower-like appearance, and when seen with purulent panophthalmitis, it can be covered with a mucopurulent exudate.…”