Polyglucosan Bodies in the Prostatic Stromal Smooth Muscles of Aged Dogs

Polyglucosan bodies (PGB) in the prostate of aged dogs without neurological signs were examined by light microscopy, histochemistry and immunohistochemistry. Prostatic PGB were round or oval and slightly basophilic. Most of the bodies were situated within the stromal smooth muscle cells. PGB were intensely positive for PAS, Best's carmine, Lugol's iodine and Grocott's methenamine silver method. Moreover, canine prostatic PGB were immunoreactive for monoclonal antibodies raised against human polyglucosan. The frequency of PGB in the smooth muscle cells was significantly correlated with the age of dogs. The occurrence of PGB in the canine prostate might be a non-specific finding related to ageing.