Immunohistochemical Coexpression of VEGF and CD34 in Ameloblastoma

Abstract

Background:Angiogenic potential m most tumors; characterized by VEGF and vascular bed densityaround tumor islands, is believed to be an important marker in predicting tumor growth,recurrence and metastasis.Materials and Methods:The study included 50 cases of ameloblastomas. From each case 4 μm sections werestained IHC with antivascular endothelial growth factor antibody- and endothelial linedvessels anti CD34 antibody to evaluate their expression and intensity in relation to theirFac Med Baghdad clinicopathological features.2008 ; Vol.50 ,No.Results:Generally, VEGF was significantly highly expressed with strong intensity in outer celllayer of tumor islands, and the newly formed blood vessels were significantlypredominantly rounded and small in size in comparison to dental folicale and papilla oftooth germ. Young aged patients (≤ 20yrs) had highest mean MvD around tumor islands(35.9). Regarding WHO classification; follicular, plexiform and lining cells in UAB hadhigher expression then acanthomatous and types, but 67% of those in plexiform were ofmoderate intensity. There was no significant differences in mean MvD in all histologicalsolid subtypes, and characterized by round and small vessels. Except those in plexiform,they were elongated and medium. UAB had significant lower microvessel count aroundlining tumor cells (but not around mural growth) and more percentage of elongated mediumsized vessels than follicular but less than plexiform. There was significant correlationbetween VEGF expression and the shape of microvessels. Considering differentmorphological cellular pattern, basal cells showed the highest VEGF positivity and intensity(87.5).1Received Sept. 2006Conclusions:The present study indicate the usefulness of the VEGF expression and MvD inexplaining the aggressive, locally invasive biological behavior of ameloblastoma. The highangiogenic potential is enhancing tumor cell survival and the increase in the production ofnew blood vessels formation is facilitating tumor growth, and by time will enhance theproliferation potential of the incompletely removed surviving tumor islands, so increasingthe chance of ameloblastoma recurrence.