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Journal of equine science2023; 34(2); 37-46; doi: 10.1294/jes.34.37

Immunohistochemical markers for equine granulosa cell tumors: a pilot study.

Abstract: Sex cord-stromal tumors (SCSTs), generally referred to as granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) or granulosa-theca cell tumors (GTCTs) in equids, show complex compositions and variable numbers of hormone-producing cells. These tumors can be difficult to diagnose, especially in early stages. Therefore, we tested a panel of antibodies for vimentin, smooth muscle actin, laminin, Ki-67, E-cadherin, calretinin, moesin, p-ezrin, AMH, and aromatase, markers used for tumor composition and classification, progression, and prognosis in human SCSTs, on an exemplary grapefruit-size equine GCT within the left ovary of a 13-year-old mare with stallion-like behavior and elevated testosterone levels in comparison with normal ovarian tissue. The tumor showed a low proliferation rate and prominent moesin and p-ezrin staining in granulosa cells. E-cadherin, calretinin, aromatase, and AMH are suggested to be potential markers for different cell components of equine SCSTs that can support tumor diagnosis and classification.
©2023 The Japanese Society of Equine Science.
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Publication Date: 2023-06-12 PubMed ID: 37405069PubMed Central: PMC10315638DOI: 10.1294/jes.34.37Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This study examined the use of various antibodies, which are often used for identifying and classifying human sex cord-stromal tumors (SCSTs), to investigate and diagnose similar tumors in horses. The researchers specifically tested these markers on a large SCST—or granulosa cell tumor (GCT)—found in an aged mare, and found several of them to be potentially useful for identifying different components of the tumor.

Research Background and Objectives

  • Equine Sex cord-stromal tumors (SCSTs) are complex structures that often contain variable numbers of hormone-producing cells. They are also known as granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) or granulosa-theca cell tumors (GTCTs) when referring to their existence in equids (horses, donkeys, etc.)
  • These tumors are challenging to diagnose particularly in their early stages, hence the need for effective biochemical markers to aid diagnosis, track disease progression, and predict outcomes.
  • In this pilot study, researchers sought to determine the diagnostic efficiency of several antibodies that are typically used for the identification and classification of human SCTCs. They did this by comparing the levels of these markers in a GCT from a 13-year-old mare with elevated testosterone levels and abnormal behaviour to levels seen in healthy ovarian tissue.

Methods and Findings

  • The panel of antibodies examined in the study included vimentin, smooth muscle actin, laminin, Ki-67, E-cadherin, calretinin, moesin, p-ezrin, AMH, and aromatase. These antibodies were chosen because they are already markers for tumor composition, progression, and prognosis in humans.
  • The equine tumor under investigation was grapefruit-sized and located in the left ovary of the mare. This tumor exhibited a low proliferation rate, indicating slow growth.
  • Results showed prominent staining of moesin and p-ezrin in the granulosa cells of the tumor. The staining of these antibodies signifies their presence and can aid in determining the composition of the tumor.
  • E-cadherin, calretinin, aromatase, and AMH were identified as potentially useful markers for different components of equine SCSTs, suggesting their potential utility in diagnosing and classifying equine SCTCs.

Conclusion and Implications

  • The research provides preliminary evidence suggesting that certain antibodies used to study SCSTs in humans, namely E-cadherin, calretinin, aromatase, and AMH, might also be effective in identifying and classifying equine SCSTs.
  • These findings could improve the diagnosis and treatment of SCSTs in horses, potentially contributing to better health outcomes for these animals. However, further research is necessitated to validate these findings on a larger scale.
  • Though the study was conducted on equines, given the similarities between SCSTs in humans and horses, these findings could indirectly hint at a potential avenue for improving understanding, diagnosis, and treatment in humans as well.

Cite This Article

APA
Dolin A, Schweiger P, Waselau M, Egerbacher M, Walter I. (2023). Immunohistochemical markers for equine granulosa cell tumors: a pilot study. J Equine Sci, 34(2), 37-46. https://doi.org/10.1294/jes.34.37

Publication

Journal of equine science
ISSN: 1340-3516
NlmUniqueID: 9503751
Country: Japan
Language: English
Volume: 34
Issue: 2
Pages: 37-46

Researcher Affiliations

Dolin, Aurelia
  • Veterinary Practice Tierdoc, 6233 Kramsach, Austria.
Schweiger, Peter
  • Veterinary Practice Tierdoc, 6233 Kramsach, Austria.
Waselau, Martin
  • Equine Hospital Aschheim, Equine Diagnostic Center Munich, 85609 Munich, Germany.
Egerbacher, Monika
  • Administrative Unit Veterinary Medicine, UMIT TIROL-Private University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology GmbH, 6060 Hall in Tirol, Austria.
Walter, Ingrid
  • Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Morphology, Vetmeduni Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria.

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Citations

This article has been cited 3 times.
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