title: Analysis of vascularity of human neurofibromas.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A common misperception is that the vascularity of a tumor can be determined by its gross appearance. Neurofibromas are grossly white in appearance. The degree of vascularity of neurofibromas has not been determined.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of neovascularization of neurofibromas.
  
  
  METHODS
  Neurofibromas from patients with neurofibromatosis-1 or spontaneous neurofibromas were stained with antibodies against von Willebrand factor (factor VIII-related antigen) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Neurofibromas, both spontaneous and congenital, exhibit a high degree of vascularity. In addition, perivascular cells in neurofibromas stain with antibodies to VEGF, an angiogenic factor.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Neurofibromas, despite their gross appearance, are highly vascular. Their vascularity may be mediated, in part, through the angiogenic factor VEGF.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Arbiser
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Flynn
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Barnhill
mesh_terms: D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000032:analysis; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000473:pathology; D009455:Neurofibroma / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000737:chemistry; D009456:Neurofibromatosis 1 / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors; D014841:von Willebrand Factor / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D008222:Lymphokines; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors; D014841:von Willebrand Factor