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.     

A spontaneously occurring malignant ovarian Sertoli cell tumor in a young Sprague Dawley rat

Primary ovarian tumors are generally uncommon in rats used in toxicologic studies. A malignant Sertoli cell tumor was present in the ovary of a 19-week-old female Sprague Dawley rat. Macroscopically, the mass was white and firm, 10 × 13 × 17 mm in size, and located in the right ovary. Histopathologically, the mass was composed of nests of pleomorphic cells, which formed seminiferous-like tubules separated by a thin fibrovascular stroma. The tubules were lined by tumor cells, which had basally located nuclei and abundant eosinophilic and vacuolated cytoplasm. In some areas, the tumor cells were arranged in a retiform growth pattern, mimicking a rete testis/ovarii. Disseminated metastases to the surfaces of the mesentery, spleen and liver were also present. Immunohistochemically, many tumor cells were strongly positive for vimentin, estrogen receptor α and Ki 67. Some tumor cells were positive for pancytokeratin and inhibin α. These findings closely resemble those of an ovarian-derived human malignant Sertoli cell tumor. From our review of the literature, we believe this is the first report of a spontaneous malignant Sertoli cell tumor in the ovary of a young laboratory rat. This case might provide useful historical control information for rat toxicity studies.     

A subcutaneous mass on the neck of a horse

A 25-year-old Arabian gelding was presented for investigation of a subcutaneous neck mass. Fine-needle aspirates and impression smears revealed mast cells with widely varying degrees of cytoplasmic granulation and scattered eosinophils. Histopathology revealed a poorly circumscribed mass composed of sheets and bundles of mast cells with a large population of eosinophils. The mast cells were separated into numerous lobules by a heavy collagenous stroma, and multifocal collagen necrosis was present. Strong reactivity of the tumor cells for both Giemsa and toluidine blue stains confirmed the diagnosis of a mast cell tumor, and a Luna stain accentuated the eosinophilic infiltrates. Cutaneous mast cell tumors are found in many domestic animals but are uncommonly encountered in horses. Equine cutaneous mast cell tumors are usually benign, and there are no reports of visceral metastasis. Surgical excision is thought to be curative.     

Carboplatin for treatment of a Sertoli cell tumor in a mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)

A 13‐year‐old male mallard was diagnosed with a non‐resectable Sertoli cell tumor involving the left testis. The duck was treated with four doses of single‐agent carboplatin given at 4‐ to 5‐week intervals. Heteropenia, 2 weeks after each treatment, was the acute dose‐limiting toxicity. The tumor reduced in size by 25%, and the duck's clinical condition improved for 12 months. Sertoli cell tumors are rare in birds, and this is the first report, to our knowledge, of attempted chemotherapy treatment in the veterinary literature.     

Primary pulmonary neoplasm in a horse.

A 16-year-old Thoroughbred gelding was evaluated for respiratory disease and found to have a primary lung tumor on postmortem examination. A tentative antemortem diagnosis was made on the basis of results of radiography and cytologic examination of a needle aspirate guided by ultrasonography. A histologic diagnosis of bronchioalveolar adenocarcinoma was made. Thoracic neoplasia is rare in horses. The most frequently reported primary pulmonary tumor is the granular cell tumor.     

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.     

Immunohistochemical detection of inhibin-alpha, -betaB, and -betaA chains and 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in canine testicular tumors and normal testes.

Immunohistochemical detection of inhibin-alpha, -betaA and -betaB chains and 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) was carried out on primary testicular tumors from 15 dogs and normal testes from three adult dogs. Histopathologically, the tumors were composed of three types: Leydig cell tumors in five dogs, Sertoli cell tumors in five dogs, and seminoma in five dogs. In normal testes, immunostaining against inhibin-alpha, -betaA, and -betaB chains and 3beta-HSD revealed positive reactivity in the cytoplasm of Leydig cells. In testicular tumors, immunoreactive cells against inhibin-alpha, -betaA, and -betaB chains and 3beta-HSD were localized in all Leydig cell tumors but not in any Sertoli cell tumors or seminomas. The results of radioimmunoassay for plasma inhibin in dogs with Leydig cell tumors showed higher concentrations than those in dogs with Sertoli cell tumors and seminomas and those in normal dogs. The concentration of inhibin in the plasma was markedly decreased by the surgical removal of the Leydig cell tumor in one dog. Our findings suggest that inhibin is synthesized by normal and neoplastic Leydig cells in the canine testis, and the secreted inhibin may be inhibin A and inhibin B.     

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.     

Malignant glucagonoma associated with hyperglycaemia,hypertriglyceridaemia, Candidiasis and bacterial pneumonia in a 12-year-old Arabian gelding

A 12-year-old Arabian gelding was presented for severe, rapid weight loss and polyuria. Physical examination revealed a body condition score of 1/9 with severe muscle wasting, moderate tachycardia, profound hyperglycaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia. The horse's clinical condition deteriorated rapidly resulting in euthanasia 16 h following admission. Post-mortem examination revealed multifocal nests of neoplastic endocrine cells within the liver which had immuno-positive glucagon reactivity. Based on the combination of cachexia, marked hyperglycaemia and glucagon-positive neoplastic cells, a diagnosis of malignant glucagonoma, which was presumed to be functional, was made. This is the first case of malignant glucagonoma to be reported in horses.     

Sertoli cell tumors associated with feminizing syndrome and spermatic cord torsion in two cryptorchid dogs

The association of cryptorchidism, functional Sertoli cell tumors, and spermatic cord torsion has been rarely reported in the literature. Two dogs were admitted for bilateral skin alopecia and weight loss. Both animals were cryptorchid and displayed a pendulous preputial sheath, prostate hypertrophy, and increased levels of circulating oestrogen. Transabdominal palpation and ultrasonography revealed the presence of neoplastic retained gonads. During surgery, spermatic cord torsion was also detected in the enlarged neoplastic testes of both dogs. Histologic examination confirmed the presence of Sertoli cell tumors that were primarily responsible for the feminizing syndrome. Complete remission of all symptoms occurred within 3 months after orchiectomy.     

Ventral Abdominal Approach for Laparoscopic Cryptorchidectomy in Horses

Objective —To report a ventral abdominal approach and a ligating loop technique for laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy in horses.
Study Design —Prospective.
Sample Population—Six horses, aged 1 to 5 years, with retained testes.
Methods —One laparoscopic portal and three to four instrument portals were used for ventral abdominal laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy. Laparoscopic instruments were used to maneuver and secure the testis through a ligating loop (modified Roeder knot) that was secured from outside the abdominal cavity. Only minimal enlargement of one instrument portal was used to remove the testicle.
Results —Three horses were bilateral cryptorchids, and three were unilateral (left side, two; right side, one) cryptorchids. Operative time, defined as the time from laparoscope insertion to removal, ranged from 20 to 25 minutes for unilateral cryptorchids and from 40 to 50 minutes for bilateral cryptorchids.
Conclusions —The reported technique allowed decreased tension on the tissues during ligation and removal of the testis from the peritoneal cavity. Improved observation of the abdominal cavity, ligation security, shortened patient confinement time, and minimally invasive technique are all considered to be benefits of laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy.
Clinical Relevance —Direct observation of retained testes and intraabdominal castration are distinct advantages of the use of laparoscopy in horses that have had previous unsuccessful surgical attempts, horses with unknown histories that have retained testicular tissue, or bilateral abdominal cryptorchids.     

Ultrasonographic features of testicular neoplasia in dogs: 16 cases (1980-1988)

For 16 dogs with testicular neoplasia (n = 19 tumors), ultrasonography was performed to determine whether a correlation exists between ultrasonographic features of testicular tumors and cell type. The echogenicity of the tumors varied depending on the size of the tumor and whether the tumor had focal or diffuse distribution within the testis. The ultrasonographic characteristics of Sertoli cell tumors were variable, with no predominant pattern. This variation may be related to tumor size, because 6 of 7 Sertoli cell tumors were greater than 5 cm in diameter. Focal seminomas and interstitial cell tumors less than 3 cm in diameter had hypoechoic texture. Focal seminomas and interstitial cell tumors greater than 3 cm in diameter had mixed echogenicity. Tumors of multiple cell types were greater than 5 cm in diameter and had mixed echogenicity. In valuable breeding dogs with a small (less than 3 cm) focal intrascrotal lesion, testicular ultrasonography would be of benefit for localization of the mass to the testis or epididymis for subsequent biopsy. In dogs with intraabdominal neoplastic testes, ultrasonography may be of benefit in determining intra-abdominal metastases and invasion of contiguous structures.     

Cutaneous T-cell-rich B-cell lymphoma in a horse

Cutaneous malignant lymphomas are rare in horses and comprise predominantly T-cell-rich B-cell lymphomas. They are characterized by multiple tumour nodules affecting predominantly female horses with a survival rate of months to years. At the final stage, metastases to regional lymph nodes occur, whereas widespread organ involvement is rarely reported. In this case report, a cutaneous T-cell-rich B-cell lymphoma in a 7-year-old standardbred gelding with metastases is described. Clinically, multiple cutaneous and subcutaneous nodules, enlarged superficial lymph nodes, rapid weight loss, and ventral oedema were observed. In addition to the clinical findings, necropsy revealed tumour infiltration in multiple body lymph nodes, a solitary pleural mass, and few pulmonary and intestinal tumour nodules. Microscopically, all neoplasms were composed of a densely packed cell population consisting of large lymphoblastic cells expressing CD79a, and numerous small, round, CD3-positive T lymphocytes. With respect to these findings the diagnosis of a cutaneous T-cell-rich B-cell lymphoma with metastases was made.     

Prostatic Masses in Geldings: Two Cases

Prostatic masses were detected in two geldings that were presented to our referral hospital for evaluation of dysuria. The masses were detected during transrectal palpation and ultrasonography of the prostate gland and were further evaluated using urethral endoscopy. A 10-year-old gelding underwent intraurethral debulking of the prostatic mass. Histopathological diagnosis was prostatic cystadenoma. The mass regrew within 9 months, and the horse was euthanized due to deteriorating clinical control of urinary continence. In another case, a 12-year-old gelding was scheduled for transurethral debulking; however, the owners decided against treatment and the horse was euthanized due to progression of clinical disease. Postmortem examination revealed the prostate to be nearly completely obliterated by the mass. Histopathological diagnosis was adenocarcinoma incorporated into a spindle cell population of unknown histogenesis. To our knowledge, these represent the first reported cases of equine prostatic cystadenoma and adenocarcinoma. In both horses, referring complaint was dysuria, and identification of the prostatic mass was made on palpation and ultrasonographic examination per rectum. Treatment options for prostatic masses in horses are limited because of the difficulty of obtaining prostatic tissue via biopsy, the surgical inaccessibility of the gland, and the apparent low incidence of occurrence. We have subsequently identified prostatic masses in two additional geldings, both also presenting for dysuria. However, the exact nature of these two apparent prostatic masses has not been definitively diagnosed with histopathological examinations to date. The prostate should be evaluated in male horses presenting for dysuria.     

Intra-abdominal hypertension in two adult horses

Objective – To describe the clinical and pathological findings in 2 adult horses with documented increases in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), and to describe the direct puncture technique used to measure this pressure.
Series Summary – Two adult horses developed increases in IAP secondary to large-volume abdominal effusion. A 9-year-old Quarter Horse cross gelding was presented for evaluation of urinary and neurologic signs. Abdominal ultrasonographic examination showed a hepatic abscess along with abdominal effusion. A 4-year-old Quarter Horse gelding was presented for evaluation of castration complications. A castration site infection extended into surrounding tissues, resulting in peritonitis, abdominal effusion, and severe cellulitis of the limbs. IAP measured in both horses was increased relative to reported equine reference values. Changes in hemodynamic parameters in both horses, notably increased central venous pressure, were consistent with those seen in other species in which intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and its sequellae have been documented.
New or Unique Information Provided – Extensive research and clinical literature guides management of humans with IAH and abdominal compartment syndrome. Knowledge of these conditions in companion animal and large domestic species is less well developed. Recent research has established reference values for standing, sedated and recumbent, anesthetized horses. Detailed reports of equine clinical cases of IAH have not been reported in the literature. This report provides information on the clinical, hemodynamic, and pathologic characteristics of 2 horses with measured increases in IAP, and describes the direct puncture technique used to perform these measurements.     

Comparative immunohistochemical characterization of canine seminomas and Sertoli cell tumors

Primary testicular tumors are the most common causes of cancer in male dogs. Overall, the majority of canine patients should be cured by testicular surgery. However, tumor markers are not well-known in veterinary medicine. We sought to determine using immunohistochemistry whether the combined human testicular tumor markers (placental alkaline phosphatase, OCT3/4, CD30, alpha-fetoprotein, inhibin-alpha, vimentin, c-KIT, and desmin) are expressed in canine seminomas and Sertoli cell tumors (SCTs). We examined 35 canine testicular tumors, 20 seminomas and 15 SCTs. c-KIT was expressed markedly in canine seminomas. Both inhibin-alpha and vimentin were expressed significantly in canine SCTs. The results of this study demonstrate differences and similarities between tumor marker expression of testicular tumors in dogs and humans. All the main markers in current routine use are discussed as well as potential useful markers for benign and malignant tumors, and tumor progression.     

蒙古马睾丸支持细胞的体外分离培养与鉴定

为研究一种简单快速分离蒙古马睾丸支持细胞并保证其活性的基本方法,本试验采集2岁蒙古马睾丸组织于低温环境下进行机械分离,将1~3 g睾丸组织剪碎,采用重力沉淀法去除游离的红细胞和间质细胞;使用0.1%胶原酶Ⅳ和0.25%胰蛋白酶+EDTA逐步进行组织消化,并用含有10%胎牛血清的培养基进行细胞培养;在接种后采用差异贴壁法分离纯化支持细胞,使用Tris-HCl低渗法去除杂质细胞,并采用碱性磷酸酶（AKP）染色、HE染色、实时荧光定量PCR方法进行鉴定。结果显示,支持细胞贴壁性能较强,培养24 h后大多数细胞开始贴壁,细胞形状呈椭圆形;培养48 h后胞质增多,折光性变强;培养3~4 d细胞胞质展开紧密连接,此时细胞呈三角形,有明显的核仁,培养6~7 d细胞生长状态进入稳定期。实时荧光定量PCR结果显示,GATA4和GDNF基因在培养细胞中极显著表达（P<0.01）,AKP染色支持细胞呈阴性表达,表明分离培养的细胞确为支持细胞。本试验使用机械分离法与两步酶消化法处理组织,可快速高效地获得睾丸支持细胞,成功构建了蒙古马睾丸支持细胞体外培养方法。     

Skeletal metastasis from a squamous cell carcinoma of the nictitating membrane in a Haflinger horse

A 12-year-old Haflinger gelding with a history of a persistent cough was referred for evaluation of a severe lameness of the left forelimb. An excision of the right nictitans had been performed 2 years prior to presentation, and a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with embolic neoplastic cells in several blood vessels had been confirmed by histopathology. The origin of the lameness could not be localised with regional analgesia; therefore, a nuclear scintigraphic examination was performed. This revealed an area of marked increased radiopharmaceutical uptake at the level of the caudodorsal border of the left scapula. Further examination, including ultrasound-guided biopsy of the suspect region, confirmed the presence of SCC invading the scapula. Due to poor a prognosis, the horse was subjected to euthanasia. Prior to euthanasia, the gelding was tested homozygous for the missense variant in the damage-specific DNA-binding protein 2 (DDB2) gene, which is reported as a risk factor for the development of nictitans SCC in Haflinger horses. Post-mortem evaluation revealed multiple SCC metastasis, affecting the scapula, the liver and the lungs. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of bone metastasis following a primary periocular SCC in a horse.     

Isolation,Culture and Identification of Testis Sertoli Cells in Mongolian Horses in vitro

To study a simple and rapid separation of testis Sertoli cells in Mongolian horses and ensure their activity,the testis tissue of two-year-old Mongolian horses was mechanically isolated under a low temperature environment in this experiment,and 1-3 g of testis tissue was chopped,the free red blood cells and interstitial cells were removed by gravity precipitation method.0.1% collagenase Ⅳ and 0.25% trypsin-EDTA were used for tissue digestion, and cells were cultured in medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum.After inoculation,the purified Sertoli cells were isolated and purified by differential sticking method,and the impurity cells were removed by Tris-HCl infiltration method,and were identified by alkaline phosphatase (AKP) staining,HE staining and Real-time quantitative PCR.The results showed that most of the cells began to adhere to the wall after culture 24 h,and the shape of the cells was oval.After culture 48 h,the cytoplasm increased and the refraction became stronger.After culture 3-4 d,the cytoplasm of the cells expanded into tight junction.At this time,the cells were triangular with obvious nucleoli.After culture 6-7 d,the cells entered the stable phase.Real-time quantitative PCR results showed that the expression of GATA4 and GDNF genes were extremely significantly expressed in cultured cells (P<0.01).AKP staining supported the negative expression in Sertoli cells,indicating that the isolated cultured cells were indeed Sertoli cells.In this experiment,tissue was treated by mechanical separation and two-step enzyme digestion,and testicular support cells were obtained quickly and efficiently,the method of culturing Sertoli cells in Mongolian horses testis in vitro was successfully constructed.     

Evaluation of glucose metabolism in three horses with lower motor neuron degeneration

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether increased glucose metabolism is the potential cause of the decreased plasma glucose curve determined after oral glucose tolerance testing in horses with lower motor neuron degeneration. ANIMALS: 3 horses with signs suggestive of lower motor neuron degeneration, 1 horse with malignant melanoma with multiple metastases, and an obese but otherwise healthy horse. Procedures-Glucose metabolism was assessed by use of the hyperglycemic clamp and euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp techniques. RESULTS: Mean rate of glucose metabolism of horses with lower motor neuron degeneration was significantly greater (mean, 3.7 times greater than control horses; range, 2.1 to 4.8 times greater) than that reported in 5 healthy control horses (41 +/- 13 micromol/kg/min vs 11 +/- 4.5 micromol/kg/min, respectively). In addition, one of the affected horses, an 8-year-old warmblood gelding, had a 5.6-times increased sensitivity to exogenously administered insulin, compared with that reported in 5 healthy control horses. Pancreatic insulin secretion was not insufficient in horses with lower motor neuron degeneration. Findings in the 2 diseased control horses were unremarkable. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Increased glucose metabolism in horses with lower motor neuron degeneration may be the cause of the decreased plasma glucose curve detected after oral glucose tolerance testing. This finding could aid in developing supportive treatments with respect to adequate glucose and vitamin E supplementation.