title: Tumor microvessel density-associated mast cells in canine nodal lymphoma.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Mast cells are associated in angiogenesis in various human and animal neoplasms. However, association of mast cells with tumor microvessel density in canine lymphoma was not previously documented. The objective of the study is to determine if mast cells are increased in canine nodal lymphomas and to evaluate their correlation with tumor microvessel density and grading of lymphomas.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nodal lymphomas from 33 dogs were studied and compared with nonneoplastic lymph nodes from 6 dogs as control. Mast cell count was made on Toluidine blue stained sections. Immunohistochemistry using antibody against Factor VIII was employed to visualize and determine microvessel density.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mast cell count in lymphoma (2.95 ± 2.4) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that in the control (0.83 ± 0.3) and was positively correlated with tumor microvessel density (r = 0.44, p = 0.009). Significant difference was not observed in mast cell count and tumor microvessel density among different gradings of lymphomas.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Mast cells are associated with tumor microvessel density in canine nodal lymphoma with no significant difference among gradings of lymphomas. Mast cells may play an important role in development of canine nodal lymphomas. Further detailed investigation on the role of mast cells as important part of tumor microenvironment in canine nodal lymphomas is recommended.
authors.affiliation: Tifton Veterinary Diagnostic and Investigational Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathology, The University of Georgia, Tifton, GA, USA.
authors.forename: Moges
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Woldemeskel
authors.affiliation: Tifton Veterinary Diagnostic and Investigational Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathology, The University of Georgia, Tifton, GA, USA.
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Mann
authors.affiliation: Tifton Veterinary Diagnostic and Investigational Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathology, The University of Georgia, Tifton, GA, USA.
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Whittington
keywords: Canine nodal lymphoma; mast cell; microvessel density