Angiogenesis in cutaneous lesions of leprosy: implications for treatment.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the potential role of angiogenesis in leprosy.


METHODS
Immunohistochemical analysis of leprosy lesions.


METHODS
Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology, Kasturba Medical College; Division of Dermatology, University of California at Los Angeles; and Departments of Dermatology and Pathology, Emory University.


METHODS
Thirty-two cutaneous lesions that represented the spectrum of leprosy were obtained from 32 patients.


METHODS
CD31 microvessel counts.


RESULTS
The mean CD31 microvessel count in borderline tuberculoid, midborderline, and lepromatous leprosy lesions was significantly higher than in indeterminate leprosy lesions.


CONCLUSIONS
Increased bacterial load is associated with increased angiogenesis. Angiogenesis inhibitors may be of benefit in the treatment of leprosy.
Bhandarkar
Sulochana S
SS
Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, WMB 5309, 1639 Pierce Dr, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
Cohen
Cynthia
C
Kuruvila
Maria
M
Rea
Thomas H
TH
Mackelfresh
Jamie B
JB
Lee
Delphine J
DJ
Modlin
Robert L
RL
Arbiser
Jack L
JL
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007918:Leprosy / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D015439:Leprosy, Borderline / Q000150:complications; D015440:Leprosy, Lepromatous / Q000150:complications; D015441:Leprosy, Tuberculoid / Q000150:complications; D008833:Microcirculation; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D019408:Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 / Q000378:metabolism; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply*
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D019408:Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1