Can indoor sports centers be allowed to re-open during the COVID-19 pandemic based on a certificate of equivalence?

Within a time span of only a few months, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has managed to spread across the world. This virus can spread by close contact, which includes large droplet spray and inhalation of microscopic droplets, and by indirect contact via contaminated objects. While in most countries, supermarkets have remained open, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, authorities have ordered many other shops, restaurants, bars, music theaters and indoor sports centers to be closed. As part of COVID-19 (semi)lock-down exit strategies, many government authorities are now (May-June 2020) allowing a gradual re-opening, where sometimes indoor sport centers are last in line to be permitted to re-open. This technical note discusses the challenges in safely re-opening these facilities and the measures already suggested by others to partly tackle these challenges. It also elaborates three potential additional measures and based on these additional measures, it suggests the concept of a certificate of equivalence that could allow indoor sports centers with such a certificate to re-open safely and more rapidly. It also attempts to stimulate increased preparedness of indoor sports centers that should allow them to remain open safely during potential next waves of SARS-CoV-2 as well as future pandemics. It is concluded that fighting situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic and limiting economic damage requires increased collaboration and research by virologists, epidemiologists, microbiologists, aerosol scientists, building physicists, building services engineers and sports scientists.

Histologic study of the effects of chemoembolization with preloaded doxorubicin beads in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the degree of tumor necrosis in surgical specimens of hepatocellular carcinomas treated with microspheres preloaded with doxorubicin and to analyze the relationship between the degree of necrosis and a) morphologic factors and b) imaging biomarkers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied the livers of 21 patients who had undergone selective arterial chemoembolization with DC beads (Biocompatibles, UK) before receiving liver transplants. RESULTS: Imaging techniques detected 43 nodules (mean size, 25 mm). Angiography showed 25 hypervascularized nodules, 12 slightly vascularized nodules, and 6 avascular nodules. A total of 81 hepatocellular carcinomas (mean size, 15 mm) were detected in the specimens: two were capsular and two had vascular infiltration. The mean degree of necrosis after chemoembolization was 39%; necrosis was greater than 60% in 28 hepatocellular carcinomas and less than 60% in 52. The degree of necrosis correlated significantly with the time elapsed between the last chemoembolization treatment and liver transplantation (the degree of necrosis decreased as time increased), with the number of nodules in the specimen, and with capsular infiltration. When imaging techniques detected 1 or 2 nodules, there was a greater probability of achieving greater than 90% necrosis. No relation with the degree of necrosis achieved was found for the size of the nodules detected at imaging, the enhancement pattern, or the number of chemoembolization treatments. CONCLUSION: The degree of necrosis achieved depends on the time spent on the waiting list, on the number of nodules in the specimen, and on whether capsular infiltration is present.

Digital squamous cell carcinoma in dogs: epidemiological, histological, and immunohistochemical study.

Squamous cell carcinoma represents 47.4% of all malignant canine digital lesions, but despite its frequency, there are few published studies available. Pathology submission records of 154 cases and follow-up of 49 animals were analyzed. On the 49 cases, histological evaluation was performed of the differentiation degree, mitotic index, presence of emboli, and immunohistochemical expression of vimentin and E-cadherin. The mean (SD) age of affected animals was 10.2 (2.3) years; no sex predisposition was recorded. Beauceron and Briard were 2 new overrepresented breeds. Dark-haired animals comprised 97 of 105 (92%); 94 dogs of 125 (75.2%) belonged to large and giant breeds. The forelimb was affected twice more than the hind limb. Probable metastases were observed in 4 dogs; new tumor development was recorded in 11 of 49 (22.4%). Epidemiologic factors, histological grade, mitotic index, and expression of immunohistochemical markers seemed not to be related to the clinical outcome.

Immortalization of primary sheep embryo kidney cells.

Sheep primary epithelial cells are short-lived in cell culture systems. For long-term in vitro studies, primary cells need to be immortalized. This study aims to establish and characterize T immortalized sheep embryo kidney cells (TISEKC). In this study, we used fetal lamb kidneys to derive primary cultures of epithelial cells. We subsequently immortalized these cells using the large T SV40 antigen to generate crude TISEKC and isolate TISEKC clones. Among numerous clones of immortalized cells, the selected TISEKC-5 maintained active division and cell growth over 20 passages but lacked expression of the oncogenic large T SV40 antigen. Morphologically, TISEKC-5 maintained their epithelial aspect similar to the parental primary epithelial cells. However, their growth properties showed quite different patterns. Crude TISEKC, as well as the clones of TISEKC proliferated highly in culture compared to the parental primary cells. In the early passages, immortalized cells showed heterogeneous polyploidy but in the late passages the karyotype of immortalized cells became progressively stable, identical to that of the primary cells, because the TISEKC-5 cell line has lost the large SV40 T antigen expression, this cell line is a valuable tool for veterinary sciences and biotechnological productions.

A morphological study of 608 cases of canine malignant lymphoma in France with a focus on comparative similarities between canine and human lymphoma morphology.

This study reports cytomorphological, histomorphological, and immunological characterization of 608 biopsy cases of canine malignant lymphoma, with epidemiological and clinical data, collected from 7 French veterinary pathology laboratories. It compares morphological characteristics of malignant lymphoma in canines, per the updated Kiel classification system, with those reported in humans, per the World Health Organization (WHO) classification system. Of tumors described, 24.5% and 75.5% were classified as low- and high-grade malignant lymphomas, respectively. Presenting clinical signs included generalized or localized lymphadenopathy (82.4%) and extranodal diseases (17.6%) involving the skin (12.34%) and other sites (5.26%). Immunohistochemistry confirmed 63.8% B-cell (CD3-, CD79a+), 35.4% T-cell (CD3+, CD79a-), and 0.8% null-cell (CD3-, CD79a-) lymphomas. Most B-cell cases (38.49%) were of high-grade centroblastic polymorphic subtype; most T-cell cases (8.55%), high-grade pleomorphic mixed and large T-cell lymphoma subtypes. Some B-cell tumors showed morphologic characteristics consistent with follicular lymphomas and marginal zone lymphomas per the Revised European American Classification of Lymphoid Neoplasms and WHO canine classification systems and the WHO human classification system. Unusual high-grade B-cell subtypes included an atypical high-grade small B-cell lymphoma (0.66%), Burkitt-type B-cell lymphoma (1.64%), plasmacytoid lymphoma (0.99%), and mediastinal anaplastic large B-cell lymphoma (0.16%). Unusual T-cell subtypes included a previously undescribed high-grade canine immunoblastic T-cell type (1.15%), a rare low-grade prolymphocytic T-cell lymphoma (0.16%), and a recently described high-grade canine T-cell entity--aggressive granulocytic large-cell lymphoma (0.16%). Marginal zone lymphomas were common (10.86%); follicular lymphomas were rare (0.49%). Canine primary cutaneous malignant lymphoma subtypes were present (11.84%). There was no significant difference between B- and T-cell malignant lymphoma in regard to canine age and sex. A significant overrepresentation of Boxers (24.19%) was found for T-cell lymphomas.

Genetic and environmental risk indicators in canine non-Hodgkin's lymphomas: breed associations and geographic distribution of 608 cases diagnosed throughout France over 1 year.

BACKGROUND: The etiology of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) is multifactorial. Environmental and genetic factors are frequently incriminated both in humans and dogs. OBJECTIVES: Our purpose was to study the geographic distribution of canine NHL (CNHL) in France and to evaluate genetic and environmental influences. ANIMALS: Six hundred and eight cases of CNHL, diagnosed throughout France over 1 year, were collected from 7 Veterinary Histopathologic Laboratories. METHODS: Retrospective study. Breeds affected by lymphomas were compared with the national population and associations between breed and immunophenotype were studied. The distribution of CNHL and canine T-cell NHL per 100,000 dogs per department was compared with the distribution of waste incinerators, polluted sites, and radioactive waste. RESULTS: The breeds significantly overrepresented among lymphoma cases were Boxer, Setter, and Cocker Spaniel (P < .001). There was a significant association between Boxer and T-cell NHL (P < .001), and between German Shepherd and Rottweiler and B-cell NHL (P < .01). The geographic distribution of CNHL and canine T-cell NHL indicated significant heterogeneity. Significant association between distributions of CNHL and waste incinerators (rho= 0.25, P < .05), polluted sites (rho= 0.36, P < .001), and radioactive waste (rho= 0.51, P < .001) was found. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Influence of genetics in the development of CNHL was supported by the existence of an association between breed and immunophenotype. Waste incinerators, polluted sites, and radioactive waste could just be considered as risk indicators of CNHL, but not as risk factors. Case-control studies around critical sites are necessary to confirm the implication of those environmental factors in the development of CNHL.

Adjuvant chemotherapy for prevention of recurrence of invasive hepatocellular carcinoma after orthotopic liver transplantation.

UNLABELLED: Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the best treatment for nonresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but tumor recurrence reduces long-term and medium-term survival. The effectiveness of adjuvant chemotherapy to prevent tumor recurrence has not been fully established. METHODS: Three hundred eighty-seven consecutive patients, including 43 with HCC superimposed on liver cirrhosis, underwent OLT. Twelve patients with one or more prognostic criteria for HCC recurrence were entered into a prospective prophylaxis protocol with monthly cycles of cisplatin (60 mg/m(2)) and adriamycin (30 mg/m(2)), beginning the fourth week post-OLT for a maximum of seven sessions. RESULTS: The 5-year survival of the non-HCC patients was 65.7% and that of the HCC patients was 60.46% (P = NS). Chemotherapy was reasonably well tolerated, but the 9 patients with hepatitis C- or B-associated cirrhosis showed viral and histological recurrence of the primary disease. A high proportion of patients (7 of 12) developed tumor recurrence during the first year after OLT. Six of these patients died, all but one due to HCC relapse. Five patients remain healthy and tumor free at 58 to 130 months. Post-OLT adjuvant chemotherapy does not avoid tumor recurrence and its fatal consequences but may contribute to prolonged tumor-free survival among a significant proportion of patients with high-risk HCC. However, the uncertain implications on viral recurrence and the lack of control groups do not allow post-OLT chemotherapy to be recommended outside controlled clinical trials, which are clearly warranted.

Immunophenotype of the canine transmissible venereal tumour.

The canine transmissible venereal tumour is a naturally occurring contagious round-cell neoplasia which is primarily located in the mucous membrane of the external genitalia in dogs of either sex. In order to specify the controversial cytogenetic origin of this round-cell tumour, 14 cases of canine transmissible venereal tumour, formalin- or Bouin-fixed and paraffin-embedded, were subjected to extensive immunophenotypic analysis using reagents specific to a variety of cytoplasmic or surface antigens: lysozyme, ACM1 antigen, vimentin, neuron-specific enolase, glial fibrillary acidic protein, desmin, alpha smooth muscle actin, CD3, IgG, kappa and lambda light chains, and keratin. Lysozyme immunoreactivity was detected in all cases, ACM1 antigen in 11 of 14, neuron-specific enolase in 11 of 14, vimentin in 10 of 14, glial fibrillary acidic protein in 4 of 14 and desmin in 1 of 14. All the sections were negative to keratins, alpha smooth muscle actin and CD3, whereas in five cases, perivascular tumour cells contained Ig G, kappa and lambda light chains. The immunoreactivity to lysozyme and ACM1 antigen supports the hypothesis of a histiocytic immunophenotype for the canine transmissible venereal tumour.

Lymphocyte subset abnormalities in German shepherd dog pyoderma (GSP).

Peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations were studied in 12 German shepherd dogs suffering from deep pyoderma (GSP). Twelve other healthy but matched dogs were used as controls. GSP was found to be associated with an imbalance in the CD4 and CD8 subsets (respectively 37.3 +/- 8.7% and 28.6 +/- 6.6%, as compared to 47.5 +/- 8.8% and 19.3 +/- 4.0% in the controls). The activation markers were not affected by GSP. Moreover, analysis of the B-cell populations showed a striking decrease in the level of CD21 cells (5.5 +/- 3.3% of CD21+ lymphocytes, compared to 12.2 +/- 6.0 in the controls). This study suggests that the immunological imbalance observed in GSP may be associated with defective helper cells, and provides further evidence that dogs suffering from GSP are not immunologically normal reactors.

Cellular immune response of lymph nodes from dogs following the intradermal injection of a recombinant antigen corresponding to a 66 kDa protein of Echinococcus granulosus.

A recombinant polypeptide (referred to as EgA31), which represents a 66kDa protein, was prepared from an Echinococcus granulosus cDNA library. In order to assess its potential to induce cellular immune responses, dog popliteal and prescapular lymph nodes were sensitized with this recombinant polypeptide. Subpopulations of lymphocytes were then analyzed by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry on lymph node sections. Five days after the sensitization, the paracortical areas of the lymph nodes appeared hypertrophic, the number of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ and CD5+ cells increased, the number of B-cells began to augment and some secondary follicles occurred, and a number of CD4+ cells appeared in germinal centers. Many large secondary follicles and a significantly augmented number of CD5+ cells in cords of medullae were observed 10 days after the sensitization. These active cellular responses strengthen the interest for further studies on the development of a vaccine with this recombinant polypeptide.

Immunophenotypic characterization of feline Langerhans cells.

To carry out the characterization of feline Langerhans cells (LC), first described in 1994, we used a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MAb) known to react with human, canine and feline leukocyte membrane antigens (Ag). The immunolabeling was performed, at light microscope level, on frozen sections of feline skin and labial mucosa using an avidin-biotin-peroxidase technique, and at electron microscope level on epidermal cell suspensions using an immunogold technique. Out of the 52 MAb tested, six labeled basal or suprabasal DC cells in the frozen sections, either in epidermis or lip epithelium: MHM23 (anti-human CD18), CVS20 and vpg3 (respectively anti-canine and feline-major histocompatibility complex class II molecules), vpg5 (anti-feline leukocytes), vpg39 (anti-feline CD4) and Fel5F4 (anti-feline CD1a). These six MAb were used on suspensions, and labeled cells which showed no desmosomes or melanosomes, but contained 'zipper-like' structures similar to Birbeck granules (BG) in their cytoplasm, revealing they were LC. Consequently, feline LC are CD18-positive (CD18+), major histocompatibility complex class II-positive (Class II+), CD1a-positive (CD1a+), vpg5-positive (vg5+) and CD4-positive (CD4+). This immunophenotypic and ultrastructural characterization demonstrates that feline LC share many characteristics with their human counterparts, a fact that will allow us to study the role of feline LC in certain feline diseases such as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) infection, since it has been shown that human LC cells are HIV-permissive, and to establish an animal model for human AIDS.

High-grade canine T-cell lymphoma/leukemia with plasmacytoid morphology: a clinical pathological study of nine cases.

The aim of this study is to determine the clinical, morphological, and immunophenotypical presentation of 9 cases of a particular type of canine T-cell lymphoma/leukemia. The morphological presentation was a diffuse infiltration of small, medium-sized, or large blast cells with eccentric nuclei, hyperbasophilic cytoplasm, and a juxtanuclear, pale cytoplasmic area, giving a plasmacytoid appearance and suggesting a B-cell morphology. Surprisingly, all 9 cases were of T-cell phenotype (CD3+). Among the 7 immunophenotyped cases, 4 were CD4-/CD8+, 2 CD8+/CD4+, and 1 CD4+/CD8-. The median Ki-67 index was 65.7%, which placed this lymphoma in the high-grade group. This type of lymphoma/leukemia was found in dogs between 1 and 11 years of age, with a median age of 5.8. The male-female ratio was 0.8 for a reference population of 1.04. The most significant clinical findings were lymphadenopathy either generalized or localized in all cases, a mediastinal mass in 4 cases, bone marrow involvement in 7 cases, hypercalcemia in 4 cases, along with an aggressive clinical course and a poor response to chemotherapy in all cases, with a median disease-free survival time of 3 months.

An original perifollicular zone cell in the canine reactive lymph node: a morphological, phenotypical and aetiological study.

In this study of 109 canine reactive lymph nodes, the perifollicular zone (PZ) cell was characterized by cytological, histological, immunocytochemical and electron microscopical techniques. The PZ cell was always found in association with plasma cell hyperplasia. Its main cytological characteristics were medium size, fine chromatin and a large central prominent nucleolus with a small amount of pale cytoplasm. It was located in a clearly recognizable PZ surrounding the follicles; this zone was particularly well developed at the capsular pole of the lymph node. Electron microscopical findings indicated a poorly differentiated cell. Immunolabelling indicated a CD3-, cIg-, Ki-67- immunophenotype, suggesting a resting B cell. These results suggest that the PZ cell belongs either to a post-follicular stage between large immunoblasts and plasma cells or, as is more likely, to a pre-follicular lymphoid subpopulation occurring early in the B-cell differentiation scheme, as with most human marginal zone (MZ) cells. Its high frequency of occurrence in reactive lymph nodes in mammary tumour lymphadenopathies, systemic lupus erythematosus and leishmaniasis, suggests that the PZ cell has a special role in the canine immune response, or perhaps in the arrested maturation of the normal developmental process.

Cytohistological and immunological classification of canine malignant lymphomas: comparison with human non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHLs) in man are on the increase. They are also common in dogs, which, as close companions of man, may constitute a useful experimental model. However, comparisons cannot be made without a reliable morphological and immunological classification of canine NHL. Canine NHLs (n = 134) were classified on the basis of fine-needle lymph-node aspirates according to the Kiel classification, and 92 were re-classified according to the Working Formulation and the updated Kiel classification, in a histological and immunological study. The immunophenotype was determined (1) in 92 cases by the use of the pan-T anti-CD3 polyclonal antibody and the pan-B anti-mb1 monoclonal antibody on paraffin wax-embedded tissue sections, and (2) in 47 cases by the use of a panel of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies on fresh preparations and frozen tissue. Cytological analysis showed a predominance of high-grade lymphomas (73.9%) over low-grade lymphomas (26.1%); it also demonstrated forms not reported in other species (small-cell variants, lymphomas with macronucleolated medium-sized cells [MMCs], and polymorphic lymphomas with a centroblastic component). Histological examination revealed the rarity of follicular lymphomas (2.2% of cases), an appearance suggestive of T-cell neoplasia (8.7% of cases), and evidence that some MMC lymphomas originated in the marginal perifollicular zones. Some (26%) of the lymphomas were of the T-cell phenotype: the majority of these consisted of small-cell, low-grade lymphomas and mycosis fungoides, the rest being either high-grade pleomorphic lymphomas (mixed or large-cell) or, rarely, high-grade, small noncleaved-cell, plasmacytoid lymphomas. No lymphoma expressed a double (T and B) phenotype. This study revealed similarities with, but also notable differences from, human NHL. In particular, the MMC lymphomas may constitute an interesting equivalent of human marginal zone B-cell lymphomas.

Growth fractions in canine non-Hodgkin's lymphomas as determined in situ by the expression of the Ki-67 antigen.

The proportion of proliferating cells in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHLs) as determined in situ by the expression of the Ki-67 antigen, has prognostic value in human oncology, and is strongly related to the different grades of malignancy. The evaluation of the Ki-67 index in canine NHLs may be useful in assessing the individual variability of the growth fraction in the different sub-types of lymphoma, and also the validity of the classification in terms of grade of malignancy. The growth fraction was evaluated in 92 canine NHLs, previously classified according to the Kiel classification (as adapted to the canine species), by determining the expression of the Ki-67 antigen with the MIB1 antibody on (1) paraffin-wax tissue sections in all 92 cases, and (2) fine-needle aspirates or tumour imprints in 30 cases. The labelling appeared satisfactory in 88% of the cases, with good concordance between the histological and cytological data. A highly significant correlation (P < 0.001) was established between the proportion of Ki-67+ cells and the classification into low-grade (Ki-67 index < 21%) and high-grade malignancy (Ki-67 index > 21% and usually > 29%). In the low-grade lymphoma group, a macronucleolated medium-sized-cell lymphoma not found in man had the lowest proliferation index. In the high-grade malignancy group, the number of Ki-67+ cells seemed to be proportional to cell size, whatever the phenotype, with the rare exceptions of some unclassifiable small-cell Burkitt-type or plasmacytoid lymphomas, which were highly proliferating. The classification of lymphomas into low-grade and high-grade appears to correlate well with their proliferative index. The existence of individual variations, within given categories of canine NHL, suggests that, as in human medicine, prognosis may be assisted by determining the growth fraction at initial diagnosis, and by fine-needle aspiration at relapses.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in a dog from Africa.

A 4-year-old male Boxer dog with a history of vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss moved from West Africa to Lyon, France, where it was further evaluated. Radiographs revealed pleural effusion and enlargement of tracheobronchial lymph nodes and liver. Cytologic examination of the pleural effusion and a fine needle aspirate specimen of the liver showed mixed mononuclear inflammation with nonstaining rod structures within epithelioid histiocytes. At necropsy, the main gross pathologic findings were exudative pleuritis, nodular hepatitis, and infarcts and caseous nodules in the kidneys. The main histologic lesions were granulomatous hepatitis, granulomatous pneumonia, fibrinous leukocytic pleuritis, necrotic and fibro-calcified granulomatous lymphadenitis, and granulomatous nephritis. A Ziehl-Neelsen stain applied to both cytologic and histologic samples was positive for acid-fast bacilli. Bacterial culture of the pleural fluid was positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Cytology is a valuable tool in the diagnosis of this important zoonotic disease.

[Malignant lymphoma with medium-sized macronucleolated cells in the dog: involvement of an original cell from the marginal zone of the reactive lymph node]. / Lymphomes malins à moyennes cellules macronucléolées dans l'espèce canine: implication d'une cellule originale de la zone marginale du ganglion lymphatique réactionnel.

Among the non-Hodgkin's malignant lymphomas of the dog, which are largely dominated by the centroblastic heterogeneous type, there is an original form of malignant lymphoma which is homogeneous and diffuse, with macronucleolated medium-sized cells. These cells seem to be morphologically very similar to those which constitute the majority population in the marginal zone of the secondary follicle of the lymph node in the dog, and which appear in the course of certain conditions: systemic lupus erythematosus, leishmaniasis, satellite lymph nodes in benign or malignant tumors. The aim of this study was twofold: on the one hand to establish, in the canine species, the identity of the lymphomatous cells and the reactive cells that make up the marginal zone, i.e. the filiation between the hyperplastic marginal zones and the macronucleolated malignant lymphoma with medium-sized cells, and, on the other hand, to compare this type of malignant lymphoma with those which are reputed to originate in the marginal zone in humans, for example the malignant lymphoma of the lymphoid tissue associated with the mucous membranes, and the monocytoid malignant B-cell lymphomas. Ninety four malignant lymphomas were observed between 1989 and 1994 at the Veterinary School in Lyon; these consisted of 71 cases showing medium or high-grade malignancy, 17 cases with small cells, of low-grade malignancy, and 6 cases of mycosis fungoides. Among the 71 cases of medium and high-grade malignancy, 8 were immunoblastic, 5 centroblastic homogeneous, 50 centroblastic heterogeneous, and 8 homogeneous with macronucleolated medium-sized cells. The methods used in these 94 cases were of a morphological type: cytology, histology, transmission microscopy and immunohistochemistry. The cytohistological, ultrastructural and immuno-phenotypical characteristics (CD3-, CIg-, Ki-67- phenotype) of the lymphomatous cells and the cells of the marginal zone were found to be identical, in the dog; this strongly suggests B-lineage cells which do not secrete cytoplasmic immunoglobulins and are not involved in the cell cycle. Finally, these cells seem to us to be morphologically very similar to the minority population described by Van den Oord in the marginal zone of the secondary follicles in the lymph node in humans, in certain reactive situations.

[Clinical, morphologic and immunophenotypic data based on 10 cases of canine muco-cutaneous epidermotropic T-lymphoma (analogous to Mycosis Funcgoïde). Important of an animal model of spontaneous pathology]. / Données cliniques, morphologiques et immunophénotypiques à partir de 10 observations de lymphome T cutanéo-muqueux épidermotrope du chien (analogue au Mycosis Fongoïde). Intérêt d'un modèle animal de pathologie spontanée.

Our serie of ten canine cutaneous epitheliotropic T-cell lymphomas (CTCL), is found in old dogs, belonging mainly to the Boxer breed. Site on the mucous membranes (especially buccal), the muco-cutaneous junctions, their clinical expression is polymorphous. Lesions, follow on one after another (erythema, plaques, nodules) and are diversely associated in a given animal, the borders between the different stages often being difficult to establish. Adenopathies noted at the time of the diagnosis or during the course of the condition are accompanied by an involvement of the blood and organs (analogous to Sézary's disease). The progression of the disease can be very rapid in the buccal forms, which are generally aggressive, and in cases of violent, uncontrollable pruritus, which may be disturbing for the owner (with requests for euthanasia). The neoplastic infiltrate is constituted of small lymphocytes with hyperchromatic, convoluted nuclei (incipient stages), then large cells with a "histiocytic" appearance for the nodules. Epitheliotropism, which is maximal for the infiltrated plaque stage, shows up either in the form of a flux of totally epitheliotropic isolated cells (Ketron-Goodman type) or in that of Pautrier abscess-like collections. THe veterinary literature is in agreement that the CTCL cell expresses CD3, but two recent studies are in contradiction as regards its membership of helper or cytotoxic/suppressor populations. For our 10 cases, all the cells of lymphocytic morphology were, without exception, CD3+ and CD45+, irrespective of their situation within the epithelium or the chorion. The CD3+ cells in the epithelium were systematically CD8+, CD4- (confirming P.F. Moore's observations), expressing CD5 in a variable way, and, mostly, the Ki-67 nuclear proliferation Ag. The CD3+ cells of the chorion were exclusively, or mainly, CD8+, and occasionally CD4+. They expressed CD5 in a variable way, and, for a minority, the Ki-67 nuclear proliferation Ag. On the pathogenic level, it may be suggested that a T clone, CD8+, undergoes the "homing" phenomenon within the epithelium, enters the cell cycle, then manifests a tropism towards the chorion, which it infiltrates. Despite some particularities, which may be clinical (serious mucous attacks), cytological (the "histiocytic" appearance of the nodule cells) or immunophenotypic (expression of CD8, similar to what is observed in man in a considerable number of Pagetoid reticulosis), CTCL constitutes an interesting model of spontaneous pathology, and could prove useful in: - identifying various etiological factors (given that the dog, as a close commensal of man, is subject to the same environmental factors).

Immunohistochemical detection of survivin in canine lymphoma.

Survivin is a member of the family of proteins known as 'inhibitors of apoptosis proteins'. Survivin has a role in cellular decisions concerning division and survival and is frequently expressed in neoplastic cells. The aim of the present study was to investigate immunohistochemically the expression of survivin in normal canine tissues and in canine lymphoma. A representative range of fetal and adult normal tissues as well as biopsy samples from dogs with lymphoma were assembled in tissue arrays. The lymphomas were classified according to the revised Kiel and to the Revised European American Lymphoma-World Health Organization (REAL-WHO) schemes. Polyclonal and monoclonal antisera cross-reactive with canine survivin identified cytoplasmic expression of the molecule in a broad range of normal canine cells. The same reagents demonstrated cytoplasmic labelling of more than 5% of cells in all 83 lymphoma samples tested with polyclonal antiserum and in 67 of 82 (82%) of samples tested with monoclonal antiserum. Survivin was expressed by a wide range of canine lymphoma subtypes, but the expression of this molecule in normal canine tissues must be considered if novel therapies targeting survivin are applied to the management of canine lymphoma.