Increase of mast cells and tumor angiogenesis in oral squamous cell carcinoma.
BACKGROUND
Although mast cells (MCs) have been implicated in promoting angiogenesis in some malignant tumors, especially of the aerodigestive tract, little is known in oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).


METHODS
A retrospective study was conducted to elaborate upon the correlation between MCs and tumor angiogenesis in 26 cases of oral SCC, six cases of oral pre-malignant dysplasia, 10 cases of oral hyperkeratosis, and six cases of normal oral mucosa by means of immunohistochemical technique.


RESULTS
The MCs in all lesions and normal oral mucosa strongly expressed tryptase. The densities of MCs and microvessels appeared to increase with disease progression. The MC and microvascular counts were significantly higher in oral SCC than in hyperkeratosis and normal oral mucosa (P < 0.05). A significant correlation between MC and microvascular densities was observed in oral SCC (r = 0.5; P = 0.012).


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that MCs may upregulate tumor angiogenesis in oral SCC, perhaps via MC tryptase.
Iamaroon
Anak
A
Department of Odontology and Oral Pathology, Faculty of Dentistry, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand 50200. iamaroon@yahoo.com
Pongsiriwet
Surawut
S
Jittidecharaks
Sumana
S
Pattanaporn
Komkham
K
Prapayasatok
Sangsom
S
Wanachantararak
Sitthichai
S
D043925:Angiogenesis Inducing Agents / Q000032:analysis; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology*; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007972:Leukoplakia, Oral / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000473:pathology*; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000473:pathology; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology*; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000473:pathology*; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012697:Serine Endopeptidases / Q000032:analysis; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D053802:Tryptases; D015854:Up-Regulation
D043925:Angiogenesis Inducing Agents; D012697:Serine Endopeptidases; D053802:Tryptases