An immunohistochemical study of T and B lymphocyte density in prostatic hyperplasia and prostate carcinoma in dogs.

The aim of this study was to characterise T and B lymphocyte density in 6 normal prostates, 15 benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and 24 prostate carcinomas (PCs) in dogs by immunohistochemistry. Results revealed a statistically significant increase of T and B cells in PC compared to normal specimens and BPH. Regarding PC histological variants, lower number of CD3+ and CD79+ lymphocytes were observed in the most undifferentiated (solid) type. CD3+ cell density was positively correlated with survival time. These results may help in understanding the immunological mechanisms regulating BPH and PC development and progression, as well as providing background data for future immunotherapeutic trials.