Expression of E‐cadherin in Canine Anal Sac Apocrine Gland Adenocarcinoma and its Association with Survival

Introduction:  Inverse associations have been shown between E‐cadherin expression and degree of differentiation in canine mammary tumours and with the acquisition of malignancy in human epithelial cancers. The purpose of this study was to examine whether there was an association between prognosis, and the distribution or intensity of immunohistochemical staining for E‐cadherin in anal sac adenocarcinoma.
Methods:  Formalin‐fixed paraffin‐wax embedded canine anal sac adenocarcinoma specimens were obtained for 36 patients for whom clinical data, including survival statistics, were available. Canine mammary adenoma tissue was employed as the positive and negative controls with antibody diluent replacing the primary antibody in the latter. Samples were scored according to proportion of cells showing positive cytoplasmic membranous staining, intensity of cytoplasmic membranous staining and proportion of nuclei staining. As quality control, a sample of 10 slides was randomly selected for repeat evaluation; results exactly matched those obtained in the first assessment.
Results:  All anal sac adenocarcinoma cells expressed E‐cadherin to varying degrees. There was no evidence of an association between survival time and the intensity of staining or the proportion of nuclei staining. Patients whose tumours exhibited >75% positive cytoplasmic membranous staining survived significantly longer than those exhibiting <75% staining with median survival times of 1100 and 479 days respectively (log rank test: χ² = 3.89, 1 DF, p = 0.049).
Conclusion:  Immunohistochemical evaluation of the proportion of cells in anal sac adenocarcinoma samples exhibiting positive cytoplasmic membranous staining for E‐cadherin may allow improved determination of prognoses and could aid clinical decision making.     

Induction of Chemoresistance by Transfection of the Full‐Length Canine mdr1 Gene in Canine Cell Lines

Introduction:  In the chemotherapy for treatment of lymphoid tumors in dogs, myelosuppression is a frequently encountered dose‐limiting factor. One possible approach to overcome myelosuppression is induction of chemoresistance in hematopoietic stem cells through expression of the mdr1 gene. A full‐length canine mdr1 cDNA clone was isolated in our laboratory. The present study was carried out to assess whether it confers multidrug resistance in canine cell lines.
Materials and methods:  The full‐length canine mdr1 cDNA was inserted into an expression plasmid vector. A canine mammary tumor cell line (CIPP) and osteosarcoma cell line (OOS) were transfected with the canine mdr1 expression vector. Expression of P‐gp was examined by immunoblotting. Function of ATP‐dependent drug efflux was measured by flow cytometric analysis using Rhodamine 123. Sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs was shown by estimation of 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC₅₀) of vincristine or doxorubicin.
Results:  Immunoblotting of the transfected cells revealed a strong band of P‐gp detected by a monoclonal antibody directed to P‐gp. Rhodamine 123 efflux test showed an apparent drug efflux activity in the transfected cells. From the IC₅₀ of the chemotherapeutic agents, the transfected cells showed a remarkable increase (20 to 60‐fold) in the resistance to vincristine or doxorubicin.
Conclusion:  Transfection of canine mdr1 gene induced P‐gp expression and strong drug resistance in canine cell lines.     

RT‐PCR based Tyrosine Kinase Display Profiling of Canine Melanoma: IGF‐1 Receptor as a Potential Therapeutic Target

Introduction:  There is a wealth of information available regarding tyrosine kinase (TK) expression in human cancer, however there is minimal information regarding the expression and function of TKs in canine melanoma, and no attempt has been made to systematically define the repertoire of TKs expressed. This study employed a molecular technique called RT‐PCR display to simultaneously evaluate the expression of up to 30 different TKs in a canine melanoma cell line.
Materials and Methods:  mRNA was extracted and reverse‐transcribed from the 17CM98 canine melanoma line, then subjected to PCR using degenerate primers coding for highly conserved regions which flank the kinase domains of many receptor and nonreceptor TKs. The resulting product was ligated into a plasmid vector and used to transform E. coli . Multiple colonies were isolated, and the cDNA inserts sequenced.
Results and Conclusions:  Sequencing 46 clones yielded canine homologs of IGF‐1R (50%), JAK1 (17%), PDGFR‐α(11%), FGFR1 (9%), Axl (7%), c‐Abl (4%), and PTK2 (2%). Interestingly, IGF‐1R, JAK1 and Axl were detected using a similar technique in human melanoma, supporting the cross‐species validity of this assay. Given the abundance of IGF‐1R clones, we sought to determine the biologic effect of rhIGF‐1 in 17CM98 cells. IGF‐1 stimulated IGF‐1R phosphorylation, cell proliferation and VEGF production in 17CM98, and protected the cells from serum starvation‐induced apoptosis. Expression of IGF‐1R mRNA was detected in 5 of 5 additional canine melanoma cell lines evaluated, suggesting that IGF‐1R expression may be common in canine melanoma cells and providing a novel target for future therapy.     

Anti‐Tumor Effect of Adenovirus‐Mediated P53 Gene Therapy on the Growth of Canine Osteosarcoma Transplanted into Nude Mice

Introduction:  It has been reported that 40–50% of canine osteosarcoma cases have p53 mutations. The p53 tumor supressor gene plays a central role in cell cycle regulation and induction of apoptosis. We previously showed that adenoviral vector expressing canine P53 (AxCA‐cp53) inhibited growth of cultured canine osteosarcoma cell lines. Here, we evaluated anti‐tumor effect of adenovirus‐mediated p53 gene therapy on the growth of canine osteosarcomas transplanted into nude mice.
Methods:  Nine nude mice were subcutaneously injected with cells of a canine osteosarcoma cell line (POS) having p53 gene mutation. The transplanted tumors formed into nude mice were injected with AxCA‐cp53, AxCA‐LacZ (adenovirus vector expressing LacZ) or PBS (3 mice each) 7 times during 15 days. Tumor sizes were measured every 3 days for 27 days after injection with the adenovirus vectors. Expression efficiency of the adenovirus‐mediated gene transfer was examined by X‐gal staining and P53 immunostaining. Effects of the P53 expression on cell cycle control were examined by RT‐PCR for expression of p21 gene downstream of P53.
Results:  Significant differences in the tumor size was observed between the transplanted osteosarcoma tissues injected with AxCA‐cp53 and those injected with AxCA‐LacZ or PBS. Expressions of LacZ and P53 were confirmed at the injection sites of the tumors. Moreover, p21 mRNA expression was shown to be induced in the AxCA‐cp53‐injected tumors, indicating the funciton of P53 to induce cell cycle arrest.
Conclusions:  Adenoviral vector expressing canine P53 inhibited the growth of canine ostersarcoma transplanted into nude mice.     

Results of the Combined Treatment with Piroxicam and Carboplatin in Canine Oral Non‐Tonsillar Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Introduction:  Over‐expression of COX‐2 has been observed in several human and animal malignancies and is implicated in carcinogenesis through the conversion of arachidonic acid to PGE‐2. Use of platinum‐containing cytostatic agents and/or (non‐)specific COX‐2 inhibitors, has been reported as a treatment option for canine oral non‐tonsillar squamous cell carcinomas (ONT‐SCC). However, no study describes the effect of a combination of carboplatin and piroxicam on this tumor type.
Methods:  7 dogs with a T3 (WHO‐TNM) ONT‐SCC were treated with piroxicam and carboplatin. Five had bone involvement and no detectable metastasis. Two dogs without bone involvement had metastasis in the regional lymph nodes. Piroxicam was given orally 0.3 mg/kg s.i.d. Each dog was scheduled to receive between 6 and 12 carboplatin infusions (300 mg/m² i.v.) at 3 week intervals. Ondansetron and metoclopramide were used as anti‐emetic agents. The dogs are planned to receive piroxicam on a lifelong basis.
Results:  Complete response (CR) without adjuvant surgery was achieved in 4 of the 7 dogs. Two dogs needed adjuvant surgery to achieve CR. One dog had progressive disease and was euthanised 231 days after start of therapy. All the others were still alive and in CR at date of analysis. Median follow‐up was 335 days (107–689 days).
Conclusions:  Our study suggests that a combination of piroxicam and carboplatin is a useful treatment option for canine ONT‐SCC. All dogs tolerated therapy well and the 57% response rate for reaching a complete and durable remission without adjuvant surgery is promising.     

Expression of Occludin in Canine Testis and Epididymis

Tight junctions (TJ) in inter-Sertoli junctional areas and epididymal epithelia are important for the formation of blood-testis barrier (BTB) and blood-epididymal barrier (BEB). In this study, the expression of occludin, an integral member of the TJ, was verified in canine testis and epididymis. Both low molecular weight (MW) (25-28 kDa) forms as well as high MW (68-72 kDa) forms of occludin were detected in the testis and epididymis using Western blot. The relative amount of the high MW forms of occludin vs low MW forms was higher in the testis than in the epididymis. Some difference in the composition of different MW forms of occludin was found along the segments of epididymis, suggesting the possible correlation between cellular composition of occludin proteins and paracellular permeability of epithelia along the epididymal tubule. In the testis, intense occludin immunoreactivity was found in the basally located inter-Sertoli junctional area. Diffused immunoreactivity of occludin was also found in the cytoplasm of Sertoli cells. A similar pattern of zonula occludens-1 immunoreactivity was found in the cytoplasm of Sertoli cells, suggesting that occludin was not confined to the inter-Sertoli junctional areas and that subcellular localization of occludin in the Sertoli cells was dynamically regulated during spermatogenesis in canine testis. In the epididymis weak immunoreactivity was found in the apical sides and cytoplasm of epithelial cells.     

犬细小病毒VHH抗体的文库构建、表达及其鉴定

为构建特异性犬细小病毒(Canine parvovirus, CPV)的纳米抗体库,并获得特异性抗CPV的重链单域抗体(Single variable domain on a heavy chain antibodies, VHH抗体),以分离鉴定的一株CPV-2c毒株(TS02株)作为免疫原免疫羊驼,四免后采集外周血,分离淋巴细胞,利用巢式PCR扩增VHH序列,通过噬菌体展示技术成功构建了纳米抗体的CPV免疫文库,进一步通过ELISA特异性筛选具有高亲和力的抗CPV纳米抗体序列。将筛选出的抗体序列插入pcDNA3.1真核表达载体构建pcDNA3.1-VHH重组质粒,采用PEI转染高密度的HEK293F悬浮细胞,瞬时表达、纯化VHH,进行鉴定。结果表明,四次免疫后羊驼血清效价高达1∶25000,达到了建库要求,构建的纳米抗体的CPV免疫文库,库容达2×10⁶ CFU/mL,文库多样性良好。通过特异性筛选获得了4株具有高亲和力和特异性的抗CPV纳米抗体序列,采用HEK293F细胞瞬时表达并纯化获得4个重组VHH,分别是CPV-VHH-H1、CPV-VHH-D4、CP...     

Effects of Mycobacterial Cell Wall‐DNA Complex (MCC), Alendronate and Pamidronate on Canine Osteosarcoma Cell Lines

Introduction:  MCC, a cell wall composition prepared from Mycobacterium phlei ., inhibits the proliferation and induces apoptosis in a wide range of tumor cells. Bisphosphonates have been reported to inhibit the proliferation of canine osteosarcoma cell lines. In this study, we have determined the activity of MCC alone and in combination with the bisphosphonates alendronate and pamidronate on canine osteosarcoma cell lines.
Methods:  Canine osteosarcoma cell lines D17 and D22 were incubated with different concentrations of MCC (0.01–100 μg/ml) and suboptimal concentrations of alendronate and pamidronate for 72 hours. Cellular proliferation was measured by MTT reduction. Nuclear DNA condensation was determined using with Hoescht 33258 staining, and apoptosis by flow cytometry using active‐caspase‐3/PE and anti‐cleaved‐PARP/FITC antibodies.
Results:  MCC inhibited the proliferation of both canine osteosarcoma D17 and D22 cell lines in a concentration‐dependent manner. The IC₅₀ for D17 cells was 3.9 μg/ml and for D22 cells 44.4 μg/ml. Cells incubated with 100 μg/ml MCC were positive for Hoescht staining, active caspase‐3 and cleaved PARP, indicative of cell death by apoptosis. The addition of alendronate or pamidronate was found to potentiate the apoptosis‐inducing activity of MCC. Maximal activity was observed when 5 μM alendronante or 10 μM pamidronate were used in combination with 100 μg/ml MCC.
Conclusion:  MCC inhibits the proliferation and induces apoptosis in canine osteosarcoma cell lines in vitro . This anticancer activity can be potentiated by the use of alendronate and pamidronate. These data support the development of MCC as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of canine osteosarcoma.     

Expression of Nociceptive Ligands in Canine Osteosarcoma

Background

Canine osteosarcoma (OS) is associated with localized pain as a result of tissue injury from tumor infiltration and peritumoral inflammation. Malignant bone pain is caused by stimulation of peripheral pain receptors, termed nociceptors, which reside in the localized tumor microenvironment, including the periosteal and intramedullary bone cavities. Several nociceptive ligands have been determined to participate directly or indirectly in generating bone pain associated with diverse skeletal abnormalities.

Hypothesis

Canine OS cells actively produce nociceptive ligands with the capacity to directly or indirectly activate peripheral pain receptors residing in the bone tumor microenvironment.

Animals

Ten dogs with appendicular OS.

Methods

Expression of nerve growth factor, endothelin‐1, and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase‐1 was characterized in OS cell lines and naturally occurring OS samples. In 10 dogs with OS, circulating concentrations of nociceptive ligands were quantified and correlated with subjective pain scores and tumor volume in patients treated with standardized palliative therapies.

Results

Canine OS cells express and secrete nerve growth factor, endothelin‐1, and prostaglandin E2. Naturally occurring OS samples uniformly express nociceptive ligands. In a subset of OS‐bearing dogs, circulating nociceptive ligand concentrations were detectable but failed to correlate with pain status. Localized foci of nerve terminal proliferation were identified in a minority of primary bone tumor samples.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Canine OS cells express nociceptive ligands, potentially permitting active participation of OS cells in the generation of malignant bone pain. Specific inhibitors of nociceptive ligand signaling pathways might improve pain control in dogs with OS.     

Expression of Endothelin‐1 and Endothelin Receptor A in Canine Ovarian Tumours

Ovarian tumours have a low incidence in bitch. Endothelin (ET‐1) and endothelin A receptor (ET‐A) are overexpressed in human ovarian cancer. Twenty canine ovarian tumours and five normal samples were first evaluated by western blotting and then immunohistochemically for ET‐1 and ET‐A expression. Seventeen out of twenty tumours were ET‐1 positive. Eight out of twenty tumours were ET‐A immunohistochemically positive. At molecular level both proteins were proven to be expressed in normal as well as in tumour samples. Our results show that ET‐1 and ET‐A are overexpressed in canine ovarian tumours, suggesting a potential role of these two molecules in canine ovarian carcinogenesis.     

Correlation of histologic grading of canine mast cell tumors with Ki67/PCNA/AgNOR/c‐Kit scores: 38 cases (2002–2003)

Introduction: The Patnaik grading system for canine cutaneous MCT is currently one of the best determinants of prognosis; however, clinical outcome does not always correlate with histologic grade. The development of molecular markers offers a potential advantage and may complement subjective grading. The primary purpose of this study was to correlate histologic grading to Ki67/PCNA/AgNOR/c‐Kit scores. Methods: Thirty‐eight dogs with cutaneous MCT underwent surgical resection. Tumors were graded, with expansion of grade II MCT to low, medium (or II only) and high. For statistical purposes, MCT grade I, II (low, medium, high) and III were assigned a score of 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, respectively. Sections were processed for AgNOR staining and expression of PCNA, Ki67 and c‐Kit as previously described (modified biotin‐strepavidin with DAB substrate). Paraffin‐embedded canine tissue arrays were used as positive and negative controls (primary antibody replaced with pre‐immune sera). Parametric statistical testing was performed using Statview statistical software with P ≤ .05 as significant. Results: There were 12, 20, 5 and 1 grade II low, grade II medium, grade II high and grade III MCT, respectively. The mean Ki67 score was 9.114 (median 8.0, range 1–28), mean PCNA score was 26.25 (median 24.0, range 5–65), mean AgNOR score was 1.499 (median 1.35, range 1.02–2.76) and c‐Kit scores were +1 (9/37), +2 (19/37) and +3 (9/37). With parametric statistical testing, significantly positive correlations were found for Ki67/Grade, PCNA/Grade, AgNOR/Grade, Ki67/PCNA, Ki67/AgNOR and PCNA/AgNOR (all P < .0001). No significant correlation was found for c‐Kit and grade; however, +3 c‐Kit scores had statistically significantly higher grades than +2 c‐Kit scores (P = .0458). Conclusions: Ki67/PCNA/AgNOR scores are positively correlated to grade in dogs with MCT. Further studies to correlate Ki67/PCNA/AgNOR/c‐Kit scores with clinical variables are ongoing.     

犬细小病毒的分离鉴定与生物学特性分析

本研究旨在获得华中地区的犬细小病毒分离株并对其基因型分型、生物学特性及致病力进行探讨.从武汉部分宠物医院采集胶体金初检阳性的14份可疑病料,用猫肾细胞(F81)进行病毒分离.根据犬细小病毒2型(CPV-2)保守的VP2,先后设计2对引物,进行PCR扩增.在细胞上对其进行空斑纯化,进行一步法生长曲线测定,并进行电镜观察.最后对这5株病毒都进行动物回归试验.细胞传代结果表明得到5株细小病毒.PCR扩增结果表明获得390和583 bp 2个片段.将2个片段测序的结果与GenBank发布的CPV-2比对,表明所获得的5株病毒中,有4株属于2a型,1株属于2b型.空斑纯化及生长曲线绘制结果表明分离毒株增殖滴度可达105.5PFU·mL-1.电镜观察结果表明,感染细胞的线粒体肿胀.动物试验结果表明犬都能表现不同程度的发病状况,大体解剖发现肠管有坏死、心肌变薄.将病变的心脏制作切片观察,结果表明心肌细胞变性、坏死.本研究结果为进一步研究CPV-2的分子生物学和分子致病机理奠定了基础.     

Proteomic Characterization of Zinc‐Binding Proteins of Canine Seminal Plasma

The zinc‐binding proteins (ZnBPs) of the seminal plasma are implicated in different processes related to sperm–egg fusion. The aim of this study was to characterize the ZnBPs of canine seminal plasma using two‐dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D‐PAGE) and mass spectrometry. The ZnBPs were isolated from the ejaculates of five dogs by affinity chromatography and subjected to 2D‐PAGE analysis. The acquired spots, detected across the gels, were analysed by mass spectrometry. Using 2D‐PAGE analysis, it was shown that canine seminal plasma comprised about 46–57 zinc‐binding polypeptides, with molecular mass ranging from 9.3 to 138.7 kDa and pI at pH 5.2–10.0. It was found that zinc‐binding polypeptides of low molecular masses (9.3–19.0 kDa and pI at pH 6.1–10.0) were predominant in the seminal plasma, and seven polypeptides, with molecular masses ranging from 11.7 to 15.4 kDa and pI at pH 6.8–8.7, were characterized by high optical density values. In addition, analysis with mass spectrometry (LC‐MS‐MS/MS) revealed that the identified seven polypeptides are canine prostate‐specific esterase (CPSE), which is the main proteolytic enzyme of the seminal plasma. The findings of this study indicate an important regulatory role of seminal plasma zinc ions in the functional activity of CPSE, which is of great significance for maintaining the normal function of canine prostate and the spermatozoa functions.     

3种家蚕30K蛋白基因的克隆表达及抗凋亡功能分析

业已明确家蚕30K蛋白不仅作为家蚕生长发育的重要能源物质,还对细胞凋亡具有明显的抑制作用。采用RT-PCR技术从家蚕5龄幼虫脂肪体中克隆了BmLp-C6、BmLip19G1和BmLp-C12p(GenBank登录号分别为X54735、AY568957、NM_001101728)共3种30K蛋白基因的cDNA序列,并利用Bac-to-Bac系统构建含有3种30K蛋白基因的重组杆状病毒表达载体,转染家蚕BmN培养细胞大量表达3种30K蛋白,3种表达产物纯化后的样品经SDS-PAGE检测到明显的30 kD大小的目的蛋白条带,Western blotting分析3种纯化后的蛋白样品与6×His-tag抗体具有良好的特异性反应。纯化后检测3种表达产物对诱导凋亡的抑制作用。经MTT法检测3种纯化30 K蛋白可明显增强过氧化处理的人血管内皮原代培养细胞(EC)的活力,采用ELISA法检测3种纯化30K蛋白能明显减缓EC细胞中的DNA片段化,显示3种30K蛋白对H2O2诱导的EC细胞的凋亡均具有一定的抑制作用。用生物信息学方法预测3种家蚕30K蛋白的氨基酸序列相似性达43%,三级结构极其相似,推测3种蛋白具有相似的生物学功能。     

犬α-干扰素蛋白在不同表达载体中的生物学活性比较

根据GenBank中公布的犬α-干扰素（CaIFN-α）基因核酸序列,去掉信号肽后设计并合成1对引物,引入EcoRⅠ和HindⅢ酶切位点。以提取的犬肝脏DNA为模板,利用PCR技术扩增CaIFN-α基因,并分别克隆至表达载体pBV220、pET-32a（His标签）中,转化大肠杆菌BL21（DE3）原核表达系统。重组融合蛋白经SDS-PAGE及Western blotting鉴定。纯化目的蛋白,并采用MDCK/VSV微量细胞病变抑制法检测其抗病毒活性。试验结果表明,与pBV220载体连接的目的基因表达的蛋白活性较低,而与pET-32a（His标签）连接的目的基因表达的蛋白活性较高,达2.56×10⁶ U/mL。通过分析不同载体对IFN-α的表达情况,为生产高活性的IFN奠定基础。     

Expression and Hormonal Regulation of E‐Cadherin in Canine Uterus During Early Pregnancy

E‐cadherin, a Ca^{2 +} ‐dependent cell adhesion molecule, is necessary for endometrial receptivity to blastocyst implantation. The aim of this study was to investigate the differential expression of E‐cadherin in canine uterus during early pregnancy and its regulation under different conditions by in situ hybridization. E‐cadherin mRNA expression was at a low level in the glandular epithelium on days 6, 12 and 17 of pregnancy. On days 20 and 23 of pregnancy, E‐cadherin mRNA was highly expressed in the glandular epithelium surrounding the embryo, but not in the luminal epithelium and declined in villi and placenta on day 28 of pregnancy. During oestrous cycle, a moderate level of E‐cadherin mRNA expression was found in the luminal and glandular epithelium of canine uteri at oestrus stage. The same expression was also found at anoestrus stage. Progesterone slightly induced the expression of E‐cadherin mRNA in the luminal and glandular epithelium of ovariectomized canine uterus. These results suggest that E‐cadherin expression is closely related to canine implantation and can be up‐regulated by progesterone.     

1株犬副流感病毒的分离鉴定及生物学特性研究

试验旨在分离鉴定犬副流感病毒(canine parainfluenza virus,CPIV),并对其生物学特性进行研究。用Vero细胞接种感染CPIV阳性犬肺脏组织,盲传4代,收集72 h病毒液进行RT-PCR鉴定、电镜观察、血凝试验、热敏性试验、紫外照射试验及病毒一步生长曲线的测定,同时扩增N基因进行序列分析,并构建系统进化树。结果显示,试验成功从出现咳嗽、流鼻涕等呼吸系统疾病症状的病犬肺脏中分离出1株CPIV,命名为CPIV-BJ01;RT-PCR扩增结果发现,在534 bp处有特异性目的条带。病毒电镜观察发现,其超微结构呈圆形、有囊膜、直径在80～200 nm之间;血凝试验显示,病毒在4和37℃均能凝集1%猪红细胞,与报道的CPIV血凝特性一致;病毒对热敏感,长时间高温下病毒毒价会随之下降;紫外照射可使病毒在短时间内对细胞的感染性急剧下降。病毒一步生长曲线测定结果显示,在12～48 h病毒高速增殖,细胞培养液中病毒滴度急剧上升,之后趋于稳定。CPIV N基因序列与19株有代表性的副流感病毒N基因相比,其核苷酸序列同源性为97.1%～99.8%。遗传进化分析表明,CPIV-BJ01与PIV5 1168-1(登录号:KC237064.1)和PIV5 ZJQ 221(登录号:KX100034.1)位于同一分支上,亲缘关系较近。