p53 protein expression in conjunctival squamous cell carcinomas of domestic animals

The expression of p53 protein wasinvestigated in eight formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded conjunctival squamous cell carcinomas offive horses and one cow, dog and cat each by immunohistochemical procedure in order to evaluate proteinoverexpression. Anti-human p53 protein mouse monoclonal antibodies known to be cross-reactive with p53 protein of Ahed the animal species examined were used. Positive p53 nuclear immunostaining was detected BChheedd infive equine, onebovine and one feline cases.Conversely, no p53 immunostaining was found in the only canine case examined. These results demonstrate a frequent p53 overexpression in conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma that could be related to UV- ker induced mutations of the p53 tumor suppressor gene.