Immunohistochemical analysis of mast cell infiltrates and microvessel density in oral squamous cell carcinoma

• Published in: Polish journal of pathology 2013-12, Vol.64 (4), p.276-280
• Main Authors: Pyziak, L, Stasikowska-Kanicka, O, Danilewicz, M, Wągrowska-Danilewicz, M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Angiogenesis; Antibodies; Cancer; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - blood supply; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - metabolism; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - pathology; Cloning; Female; Growth factors; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Male; Mast Cells - metabolism; Mast Cells - pathology; Microvessels - metabolism; Microvessels - pathology; Middle Aged; Mouth - blood supply; Mouth Neoplasms - blood supply; Mouth Neoplasms - metabolism; Mouth Neoplasms - pathology; Neovascularization, Pathologic - pathology; Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 - metabolism; Tryptases - metabolism; Tumor necrosis factor-TNF; Tumorigenesis; Tumors
• ISSN: 1233-9687; 2084-9869
• DOI: 10.5114/PJP.2013.39336

The aim of the study was to evaluate mast cell concentration and microvessel density in perilesional and intralesional regions of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and furthermore to assess the possible relationship between the above-mentioned parameters. Paraffin-embedded specimens from 47 cases of OSCC and 12 cases of normal mucosa were investigated immunohistochemically with anti-CD-31 antibody to stain microvessels and anti-tryptase antibody to visualize mast cells. The degree of vascularization and mast cell infiltration was measured with an image analysis system. The study revealed considerably increased microvessel density and mast cell abundance in intralesional and perilesional regions of OSCCs in comparison to normal mucosa. There was a significant positive correlation between microvessel density and mast cell concentration in both localizations of OSCCs (p < 0.02, p < 0.001, respectively), whereas a comparable correlation was not observed in normal mucosa. The obtained results suggest that mast cells play an important role in the regulation of angiogenesis in OSCC, although there are aspects of their activity of potential diagnostic and therapeutic significance which require further research.