Abstract:
Tumours of the jaw bones and oral soft tissue are relatively common lesions in dogs.
The aim of this study was to find cell markers to differentiate odontogenic epithelium
from non-odontogenic epithelium for future research on the pathogenesis and pathology
of odontogenic neoplasms in dogs. Keratin 14 and 19 staining was observed in
odontogenic and non-odontogenic epithelium, while amelogenin and p75 neurotrophin
receptor immunoreactivity was observed in certain odontogenic epithelial cells at various
stages of development, but not in other epithelial cells. Calretinin staining was observed
in the alveolar epithelial cells directly overlying the developing tooth germ in 28/39
sections (71,8%), as well as the dental laminae in 30/35 sections (85,7%) and Serres
rests in 24/28 sections (85,7%). Focal positivity was detected in the respiratory mucosa,
some hair follicles and fusion epithelium of the palate but no calretinin staining was
observed in other oral epithelial cells, and therefore calretinin has potential to be utilized
as a marker to differentiate odontogenic form non-odontogenic epithelium.
