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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
Isolation and Culture of Primary Endothelial Cells from Canine Arteries and Veins
Published on: November 18, 2016
Expression of epidermal growth factor receptor and vascular endothelial growth factor in malignant canine epithelial
K Shiomitsu1, C L Johnson, D E Malarkey
1Department of Molecular Biomedical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA. kshiomitsu@vetmed.lsu.edu
Abstract:
Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signalling pathways play a role in carcinogenesis. Inhibition of EGF receptor (EGFR) and of VEGF is effective in increasing the radiation responsiveness of neoplastic cells both in vitro and in human trials. In this study, immunohistochemical evaluation was employed to determine and characterize the potential protein expression levels and patterns of EGFR and VEGF in a variety of canine malignant epithelial nasal tumours. Of 24 malignant canine nasal tumours, 13 (54.2%) were positive for EGFR staining and 22 (91.7%) were positive for VEGF staining. The intensity and percentage of immunohistochemically positive neoplastic cells for EGFR varied. These findings indicate that EGFR and VEGF proteins were present in some malignant epithelial nasal tumours in the dogs, and therefore, it may be beneficial to treat canine patients with tumours that overexpress EGFR and VEGF with specific inhibitors in conjunction with radiation.
Insights
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are present in malignant canine nasal tumors. Targeting these proteins with inhibitors alongside radiation may improve treatment outcomes for dogs.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Veterinary Medicine
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathways are implicated in cancer development.
- Inhibiting EGF receptor (EGFR) and VEGF enhances cancer cell sensitivity to radiation therapy in preclinical and clinical studies.
- Understanding the expression of these factors in canine cancers can inform targeted therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protein expression levels and patterns of EGFR and VEGF in canine malignant epithelial nasal tumors.
- To evaluate the potential of EGFR and VEGF as therapeutic targets in canine nasal cancers.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical evaluation was used to detect and characterize EGFR and VEGF protein expression.
- The study analyzed 24 cases of malignant canine nasal tumors.
- Quantification included staining intensity and the percentage of positive neoplastic cells.
Main Results:
- EGFR protein expression was detected in 13 out of 24 (54.2%) malignant canine nasal tumors.
- VEGF protein expression was found in 22 out of 24 (91.7%) malignant canine nasal tumors.
- The intensity and distribution of EGFR staining varied among the positive cases.
Conclusions:
- EGFR and VEGF proteins are expressed in a significant proportion of malignant epithelial nasal tumors in dogs.
- The presence of EGFR and VEGF suggests potential benefit from targeted therapies.
- Combined treatment with specific inhibitors of EGFR and VEGF alongside radiation may be a promising therapeutic approach for canine patients with these tumors.
