Cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra syndrome in bitches: identification of hemodynamic, inflammatory, and cell proliferation changes

Abstract

Cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH)-pyometra syndrome is one of the most common diseases of noncastrated female dogs. However, determination of etiological mechanisms and differential diagnosis of CEH-pyometra syndrome are undefined. The aim of this study is to compare immunohistochemically the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inflammatory mediator, Ki-67 antigen proliferation marker, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) angiogenesis mediator and its FLT-1 and KDR receptors, and correlate with Doppler velocimetry of uterine artery and endometrial vascularization in bitches with CEH-pyometra syndrome. Bitches were allocated into CEH-mucometra Group (n = 13), Pyometra Group (n = 11), and Control Group (n = 8). Pyometra Group presented cytoplasmatic staining intensity for COX-2, VEGF-A, and FLT-1 and KDR receptors in luminal epithelium cells significantly higher compared to CEH-mucometra and Control groups. For the glandular epithelium, Pyometra Group had higher immunostaining score for VEGF-A and its receptors (FLT-1 and KDR). Hemodynamic indexes showed negative correlation with VEGF-A and its receptors as well as with COX-2. On the other hand, uterine vascularization score showed positive correlation in relation to immunostaining of COX-2, VEGF-A, and receptors in the endometrium luminal epithelium. In conclusion, uterus of bitches with CEH-pyometra syndrome show inflammatory process characterized by COX-2 expression, resulting in greater expression of proliferative Ki-67 marker as tissue response against the infectious agent. Furthermore, the increased VEGF-A expression and its receptors in CEH-pyometra reflect the increased blood flow and lower vascular resistance. Therefore, canine pyometra is characterized by an inflammatory, proliferative, and vascular disorder.

Keywords: Doppler ultrasonography; bitches; inflammation; pyometra; vascularization.