Leiomyomas of oviduct and its ventral ligament of hens: immunohistochemical evaluation and the plasma concentration levels of 17 β-oestradiol and progesterone.

Leiomyoma’s of the oviduct and its ventral ligament (VL) are common tumours of the domestic fowl which develop after the end of the first laying season. In the present study, macroscopic, microscopic, and immunohistochemical features of the leiomyomas of the reproductive tract and their prevalence were investigated in commercial laying hens. In 60-90 weeks old commercial laying hens, toward the end of the first laying period, the incidence of genital tract leiomyomas were determined as 10.43%. Of these, 95.81% were developed from oviduct VL and 4.19% were oviduct leiomyomas. These tumours were firm, round to oval and microscopically well-circumscribed, consisting of monomorphic spindle cells. In immunohistochemical examination with α-smooth muscle actin, desmin and vimentin, all tumours were found positive with these markers. To investigate the aetiological importance for tumourogenesis, the plasma concentrations of 17 β-oestradiol and progesterone levels were determined. Concentrations of 17 β-oestradiol and progesterone were higher in hens with tumours than that of non-tumour control animals. The results suggested that there was an association between the levels of 17 β-oestradiol and progesterone and the leiomyomas of genital tract in hens.