Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM: Endosialin is present in human fibrosarcoma neoplastic cells. This study aimed to analyse the expression of selected cellular proteins found in fibrosarcomas and soft-tissue fibroids in dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 71 skin tumours obtained from dogs were used. The samples included 31 fibromas and 40 fibrosarcomas. Histopathological evaluation was performed according to World Health Organization guidelines. Immunohistochemistry was performed with anti-endosialin, Ki-67, cyclo-oxygenase 2 and vimentin antibodies and assessed using the semi-quantitative scale. RESULTS: Endosialin expression was observed in 82.5% of fibrosarcomas and in 35% of fibromas. A significant positive correlation was found between the expression of endosialin in fibrosarcoma neoplastic cells and the degree of histological malignancy and the expression of the Ki-67 and cyclo-oxygenase 2 antigen. Expression of vimentin confirmed mesenchymal origin of this tumours. CONCLUSION: The results of our research suggest that endosialin is involved in the carcinogenesis of fibrosarcoma in dogs.