Mixed germ cell-sex cord-stromal tumor with a concurrent interstitial cell tumor in a ferret

A 5-year-old male ferret presented with an enlarged canalicular testis in the left inguinal region. Microscopically, the enlarged testis consisted of a diffuse intimately admixed proliferation of c-kit-positive germ cell-like and Wilms tumor-1 protein-positive Sertoli cell-like components, but no Call-Exner body was detected. In addition, the compact proliferation of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein-intense positive interstitial cells was identified in a separate peripheral area of the mass. Based on histopathological and immunohistochemical findings, the tumor was diagnosed as a mixed germ cell-sex cord-stromal tumor with a concurrent interstitial cell tumor.     

Bone marrow hypoplasia in a feminized dog with an interstitial cell tumor.

Bone marrow hypoplasia and feminization developed in a 10-year-old male German Shepherd Dog with interstitial cell tumor. Clinical abnormalities included pyrexia, pale mucous membranes, signs of abdominal pain, large left testis, atrophied right testis, and feminization. Abnormal laboratory findings included pancytopenia, bacteremia, bacteriuria, and pyuria. Results of cytologic examination of a bone marrow aspirate were consistent with aplastic anemia. Serum estradiol concentration was high, and serum testosterone concentration was low, compared with normal values for male dogs. The left testicular mass was identified as an interstitial cell tumor. Other causes of the aplastic anemia or feminization were not found.     

Nasal osteosarcoma and interstitial cell tumor in a Vancouver Island marmot (Marmota vancouverensis)

A 6-yr-old male Vancouver Island marmot (Marmota vancouverensis) presented for poor hibernation, weight loss, and symmetric trunk alopecia. An abdominal interstitial cell tumor was identified and surgically removed. Serum levels of estrogen were markedly elevated before surgery and decreased after tumor removal, indicating that the tumor had been functionally secretory. Nine months later, the marmot presented with respiratory stridor. A large boney nasal mass was identified radiographically and evaluated by computed tomography (CT) prior to surgical debulking. The marmot did not recover from anesthesia. Pathologic findings included a nasal osteosarcoma with lysis of the cribriform plate, and endocardial fibrosis with degenerative changes within the adjoining myocardium. This is the first known report of nasal osteosarcoma and interstitial tumor in a Vancouver Island marmot.     

Interstitial cell tumor and Sertoli cell tumor in the testis of a cat

Testicular tumors are rarely reported in cats. We describe a case of interstitial cell tumor and Sertoli cell tumor in a cat that developed aggressive behavior and inappropriate urination 7 years after it was obtained from a shelter as an allegedly castrated 2 year old. At physical examination, the urine odor and the presence of penile papillae implied testosterone production. Testes were not palpable, but the left testis was found in the scrotum by surgical exploration and was mostly replaced by the 2 tumors. The interstitial cell tumor, but not the Sertoli cell tumor, was immunohistochemically positive for Melan-A, consistent with steroid production. Behavior improved after excision of the testis and penile papillae began to regress, but the cat was euthanatized 3 1/2 months after castration at the owner's request. Neither tumor had metastasized. The right testis was never found and was presumed to have been removed during the reported castration procedure.     

Granulosa cell tumor in a goat

Granulosa cell tumors are rare in the goat. This report deals with the shortened estrous cycles, masculinization, depressed fertility, and the systemic hormone profiles resulting from a granulosa cell tumor in a doe. Data are supported by unique information on the steroid content of the tumor. The case also is interesting from the standpoint of the occurrence of lactation after tumor removal.     

Testicular superoxide dismutase activity, heat shock protein 70 concentration and blood plasma inhibin-alpha concentration of dogs with a Sertoli cell tumor in a unilateral cryptorchid testis

The proportions of Sertoli cell tumor (SCT), seminoma and Leydig cell tumor in 50 dogs with unilateral testicular tumors were 52%, 36% and 12%, respectively. The rate of occurrence of SCT in the cryptorchid testis was very high (71%). The testicular superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, testicular heat shock protein (HSP) 70 concentration and peripheral blood plasma inhibin (INH)-alpha concentration of 10 dogs with a unilateral cryptorchid testis and no testicular tumors, 10 dogs with SCT in a unilateral cryptorchid testis and 10 normal dogs, all aged 5-15 years, were measured in order to identify high risk factors for the occurrence of SCT in the canine cryptorchid testis. The mean SOD activity in cryptorchid testes and SCTs was significantly lower and higher, respectively, than in normal testes (both P<0.01). The mean HSP 70 concentration in both cryptorchid testes and SCTs was significantly higher than in normal testes (both P<0.01). The mean plasma INH-alpha concentration of the cryptorchid and SCT dogs was significantly lower and higher, respectively, than in normal dogs (P<0.05 and 0.01, respectively). The low SOD activity in the cryptorchid testis, low blood plasma INH-alpha concentration of the cryptorchid dogs and high HSP 70 concentration in the SCTs may be related to the occurrence of SCT and tumor cell proliferation in canine cryptorchid testes.     

Granular cell tumor in the testis of a rabbit: cytologic, histologic, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopic characterization

An adult pet rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) presented with a progressively enlarging left testicle. Because neoplasia was suspected, the testicle was removed. Pathologic evaluation (exfoliative cytology, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy) indicated that the tumor was an intratesticular granular cell tumor. Granular cell tumor has not been described in rabbits before and has not been described in the testes of animals or postnatal humans. Granular cell tumor should be included as a differential diagnosis of testicular tumors, particularly Leydig cell tumor, because of potential histologic similarities.     

Histologic and immunohistochemical characterization of a testicular mixed germ cell sex cord-stromal tumor and a leydig cell tumor in a dog

Mixed germ cell sex cord-stromal tumors (MGSCTs) of the testis are rare in dogs. We describe the histopathology and immunohistochemical characteristics of an MGSCT associated with a Leydig cell tumor in a cryptorchid testis. Histologically, MGSCT consisted of two nodules of seminiferous tubules lined by germ cells and Sertoli cells in variable proportions. Germ cells had variable size and nuclear features, with frequent giant cells. Germ cells were evenly mixed with Sertoli cells or located in the center of tubules. Markers that labeled mainly germ cells and few or no Sertoli or Leydig cells were calretinin, KIT, and PGP 9.5. E-cadherin, GATA-4, inhibin-alpha (INH-alpha), and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) were predominantly detected in Sertoli cells, whereas melan A was particularly expressed in Leydig cells and vimentin in all three cell types. OCT3/4 was not detected in any cell type. Although more cases of canine MGSCT need to be examined, our results suggest that an immunohistochemical panel of E-cadherin, GATA-4, INH-alpha, KIT, NSE, PGP 9.5, and melan A will help distinguish the three main cell types in canine testicular germ cell and sex cord-stromal tumors.     

Testicular feminization in a cat

Testicular feminization, caused by an inherited defect of the androgen receptor, was diagnosed in a domestic cat. Individuals affected with this syndrome are genetic males that have testes but fail to undergo masculinization because the internal and external genitalia cannot respond to androgens. The affected cat had the external appearance of a sexually normal female, but during surgery for ovariohysterectomy, only 2 abdominal gonads were found. Müllerian (uterus) or wolffian (epididymides) derivatives were not present. Only testicular tissue was found in histologic sections of the gonad. A normal male chromosome constitution (38,XY) was found in karyotypes prepared from lymphocyte cultures. High affinity binding of dihydrotestosterone was undetectable in fibroblasts cultured from genital skin of the affected cat, indicating that the cytosolic androgen receptor was nonfunctional. Pedigree analysis indicates that this is an X-linked disorder in cats, as it is in other mammals. Accurate diagnosis and genetic counseling are advocated to reduce the prevalence of the disorder.