The relationship between metastasis and mmp-9 in sheep with pulmonary adenocarcinomas

Th is study aimed to evaluate the role of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 in the metastasis of ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma cases by immunohistochemical methods. Lung tissue samples were collected from 26 sheep brought to our department for routine histopathological diagnosis. Lung tissues were fixed in 10% neutral buff ered formalin, following routine procedures tissues were embedded in paraffin wax. Sections from tissues were cut into 5 μm thickness and stained with Hematoxylin & Eosin to detect histopathological changes. Th e sections were examined under a light microscope and photographs were taken. Avidin-Biotin Peroxidase method was used as immunohistochemical staining. Tumoral cells showed acinar, papillary or mixed type growths in ovine pulmonary adenocarcinomas. Only 2 of 20 cases had metastases to lymph nodes, and tumoral cell proliferation in these metastic areas was similar to primary cancer foci. All ovine pulmonary adenocarcinomas were positive for JSRV CA and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 immunoreactivity. Any positive expression of JSRV CA and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 were not detected in the control group. Th e number of JSRV CA and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 immune positive cells was statistically increased in the ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma group compared to the control group. In line with the data of this study, it is thought that Matrix Metalloproteinases play a serious role in tumor metastasis in ovine pulmonary adenocarcinomas, especially Matrix Metalloproteinase-9.