Detection and quantification of mast cell, vascular endothelial growth factor, and microvessel density in human inflammatory periapical cysts and granulomas.

AIM To identify and quantify mast cell (MC), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and microvessel density (MVD) in human periapical cysts and granulomas. METHODOLOGY Archived samples of cysts (n = 40) and granulomas (n = 28) were sectioned and stained with toluidine blue. MCs were identified and counted. Immunohistochemical reactions were employed to evaluate the tissue expression of VEGF and vessels. MVD was estimated by determining the areas of tissue labelled with CD31 antibody. The data were analysed using the Mann-Whitney test (P < 0.05). RESULTS MCs were observed in the peripheral regions of both lesion types, whilst VEGF and MVD were distributed in the stroma. The presence of MCs was higher in cysts than in granulomas (P < 0.05). VEGF and MVD expression were similar in these lesions. CONCLUSIONS The highest number of MCs was observed in cysts. Moreover, the identification of VEGF and MVD was consistent with the immune mechanisms involved in the lesions.