Immunohistochemical detection of caspase 3 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen in the intestines of dogs naturally infected with parvovirus

Canine parvovirus (CPV) causes a contagious and fatal viral disease in dogs characterized by hemorrhagic enteritis. Apoptosis is a programmed cell death and one of the primary markers of this process is caspase 3. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is also associated with important vital cellular processes. This study was conducted to examine the expressions of caspase 3 and PCNA in the intestinal samples of dogs naturally infected with CPV using immunohistochemical methods. A total of 30 dogs with parvoviral enteritis and five control dogs gut tissues were evaluated for caspase 3 and PCNA expressions. Increased immunoactivities of caspase 3 and PCNA were observed in epithelial, crypt and inflammatory cells in the CPV-infected dogs. Increased expressions of both markers were observed being related to the severity of disease. These results demonstrated the important roles of caspase 3 and PCNA in CPV pathogenesis. These markers may be useful for early diagnosis, estimation of the severity or future treatment strategies of this important disease.