Immunohistochemistry examination using vimentin and smooth muscle actin on exotic animal tissues

Abstract

Immunohistochemistry is useful in the identification, differentiation, and classification of tumors when normal histological examinations are not enough to make a diagnosis. In this study we have chosen to use vimentin and smooth muscle actin antibodies on healthy tissues from a lizard, snake, tortoise, parrot and gerbil as a small exotic mammal. We took samples from; lung, kidney, liver, intestine, and the testicle. We compared the different organs and different immunohistochemical reactions when using vimentin and smooth muscle actin. In our study we found that the smooth muscle actin reaction is working very well in all species, and in all of the tested organs. The vimentin did not work in reptiles or in the bird. The vimentin positivity was working only in the exotic mammals. Our results are very important for the histological examination of tumors. These results are helping in the identification of tumor origin and classification. The results can also be used as positive or negative control samples.