Immunohistochemical markers for equine granulosa cell tumors: a pilot study

• Published in: Journal of Equine Science Vol. 34; no. 2; pp. 37 - 46
• Main Authors: DOLIN, Aurelia, EGERBACHER, Monika, SCHWEIGER, Peter, WALTER, Ingrid, WASELAU, Martin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan Japanese Society of Equine Science 01.06.2023; Japan Science and Technology Agency; The Japanese Society of Equine Science
• Subjects: Actin; Antibodies; Aromatase; Calretinin; Cell proliferation; Classification; Composition; diagnostic marker; E-cadherin; Ezrin; Granulosa cells; horse; Laminin; Moesin; ovary; Smooth muscle; Testosterone; Theca; tumor; Tumors; Vimentin; horse; ovary; diagnostic marker; tumor
• ISSN: 1340-3516; 1347-7501
• DOI: 10.1294/jes.34.37

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.