Localization of transforming growth factor beta3 in squamous metaplasia of the porcine oviduct: a case report
- Publication Type
- Journal contribution
- Authors
- Steffl M, Schweiger M, Amselgruber WM
- Year of publication
- 2010
- Published in
- Reprod Dom Anim
- Band/Volume
- 45/
- Page (from - to)
- 734-736
Squamous metaplasia of the oviduct epithelium is a rare disorder of reproductive organs. We noted squamous metaplasia of the oviduct epithelium in a sow routinely slaughtered at day 2 of the oestrous cycle. Expression of transforming growth factor beta3 (TGF beta3) in the metaplastic epithelia was evaluated by immunohistochemistry, because TGF beta3 appears to play a key role as regulator of a variety of tissue remodelling events. Our results show that TGF beta3 immunostaining was specifically localized to foci of squamous metaplasia of the epithelial linings. Non-metaplastic epithelial cells of the oviduct were not immunostained with anti-TGF beta3 antibody. At the subcellular level, TGF beta3-labelled cells occasionally showed signs of apoptotic cell death. It is concluded that signals produced by TGF beta3 in metaplastic lesions of the oviduct are potentially involved in pathophysiological processes.