title: The relationship between mast cell density and tumour grade in transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.
abstract: This study investigated the relationship between mast cell numbers and the grade of bladder transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). Bladder TCC biopsies were obtained via transurethral resection and 45 stage T1 specimens were included in the study. Specimens were sorted into two groups,  low grade (grade I) and high grade (grades II and III). Samples were stained using haematoxylin and eosin, toluidine blue and immunohistochemical staining for tryptase. Mast cells were examined by light microscopy and cell density was recorded. Mast cell density was significantly higher in  high-grade TCC than low-grade TCC. There was also a significant relationship between the number of mast cells identified using toluidine blue staining or immunohistochemical staining for tryptase. Detailed studies of mast cell function will enable the development of more effective antitumour  therapies via mast cell manipulation.
authors: Department of Urology, Korea University Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Ansan, Republic of Korea.
authors: J H
authors: JH
authors: Kim
authors: Y J
authors: YJ
authors: Kang
authors: D S
authors: DS
authors: Kim
authors: C H
authors: CH
authors: Lee
authors: Y S
authors: YS
authors: Jeon
authors: N K
authors: NK
authors: Lee
authors: M H
authors: MH
authors: Oh
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002295:Carcinoma, Transitional Cell / Q000473:pathology*; D002452:Cell Count; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000473:pathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D060787:Neoplasm Grading; D011446:Prospective Studies; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*