In this study the expression of metalloproteinases 2 (MMP-2) and 9 (MMP-9) in canine normal prostates and with proliferative disorders was evaluated to verify the role of these enzymes in extracellular matrix remodeling (ECM) and in the tissue invasion process. A total of 355 prostatic samples were obtained, from which 36 (10.1%) were normal prostates, 46 (13.0%) with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), 128 (36.1%) with proliferative inflammatory atrophy (PIA), 74 (20.8%) with prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), and 71 (20.0%) with prostatic carcinoma (PC). Difference in cytoplasmic immunohistochemical staining of MMP-2 and MMP-9 between acinar epithelium and periacinar stroma was found regarding the different diagnosis. The correlation between MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression in relation to the number of labeled cells in acinar epithelium and periacinar stroma, as well as to the staining intensity in the periacinar stromal cells was evidenced in canine prostates with PIA. In conclusion, MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression has a variation in canine prostate according to the lesion, with lower expression in normal tissue and with BPH, and higher expression in those with PIA, PIN and PC. Moreover, the inflammatory microenvironment of the PIA has influence in the activity of both enzymes.
dog; gelatinases; benign prostatic hyperplasia; proliferative inflammatory atrophy; prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia; prostatic carcinoma
