Immunohistochemical detection of retinoid receptors in tumors from 30 dogs diagnosed with cutaneous lymphoma

Background: Retinoids exert their effects by binding to retinoid receptors. Two types of retinoid receptors have been described: retinoic acid receptor (RAR) and retinoid X receptor (RXR), and their subtypes α, β, and γ. The expression of subtypes varies depending on the disease process. This study intended to detect the pattern of retinoid receptor expression in cutaneous lymphomas in dogs. Hypothesis: Cutaneous lymphomas in dogs have variable expression of retinoid and retinoid X receptors. Animals: Biopsy specimens from 30 dogs with cutaneous lymphoma. Methods: Tissues of dogs with cutaneous lymphoma were evaluated by immunohistochemistry for expression of retinoid receptors. The tissues were tested for the presence of 3 RAR and RXR subtypes (α, β, and γ). Lymphoma immunophenotype was determined by the use of the immunohistochemical markers CD79a (B-cell) and CD3 (T-cell) in all cases. Results: Twenty-nine of 30 dogs were CD3 positive. The retinoid receptors expressed with the greatest frequency were RARβ (87% of cases), and RXRα and RXRγg (77% of cases). The expression of RARg was not observed. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Retinoid and rexinoid receptor binding drugs may have an impact on the treatment of dogs with cutaneous lymphoma.