Cyclooxygenase-2 expression in feline pancreatic adenocarcinomas

J Vet Diagn Invest. 2006 Nov;18(6):590-3. doi: 10.1177/104063870601800612.

Abstract

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-II) is an inducible enzyme that is responsible for the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which is often upregulated in neoplastic conditions. Expression of COX-II is documented in the majority of human pancreatic adenocarcinomas and in many epithelial neoplasms in humans and animals. The purpose of this study was to assess a series of feline pancreatic adenocarcinomas for the expression of COX-II. Eight feline pancreatic adenocarcinomas (5 poorly differentiated ductular variants and 3 well-differentiated acinar variants) were included. Immunohistochemical staining showed that COX-II was expressed in 2 (both poorly differentiated ductular variants) of the 8 neoplasms (25%). Approximately 10% of the epithelial cells from these 2 neoplasms expressed intense cytoplasmic staining. However, because feline pancreatic adenocarcinoma does not appear to consistently express COX-II, it is not a useful prognostic indicator for this group of feline neoplasms. In addition, COX-II inhibitors are not likely to be effective therapeutics for cats with this neoplasm.

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / enzymology
  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology
  • Adenocarcinoma / veterinary*
  • Animals
  • Cat Diseases / enzymology*
  • Cat Diseases / pathology
  • Cats
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 / biosynthesis*
  • Dinoprostone / metabolism
  • Enzyme Induction
  • Immunohistochemistry / veterinary
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / enzymology
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / veterinary*

Substances

  • Cyclooxygenase 2
  • Dinoprostone