Intestinal metaplasia and over-expression of c-erb2 and p53 in tissue adjacent to dog gastric carcinoma

Histological features and genetic profiles of gastric metaplastic tissue are well characterized in humans but not in dogs. The objective of this retrospective study was to better characterize the metaplastic tissue observed adjacent to canine gastric carcinoma. The histological specimens of 91 dogs diagnosed with gastric carcinoma were re-evaluated and Alcian Blue PAS staining at pH 2.5 was performed to find areas of intestinal metaplasia. Metaplasia was histologically classified according to Jass and Filipe classification. From samples with at least one focus of metaplasia, three sections were prepared for histochemical and immunohistochemical staining for p53 and c-erb 2 proteins. 35 of the 91 specimens demonstrated areas of intestinal metaplasia (27% complete and 11% incomplete). Nuclear positive immunolabeling for p53 was detected in 21 out of 35 cases of intestinal metaplasia. Immunohistochemical staining for c-erb 2 was detected in 31 out of 35 cases of intestinal metaplasia. There was a statistically significant correlation between c-erb2 and p53 expression in metaplastic tissue and in the adjacent neoplasia.