Angiogenesis in cutaneous lesions of leprosy: implications for treatment.

OBJECTIVE To examine the potential role of angiogenesis in leprosy. DESIGN Immunohistochemical analysis of leprosy lesions. SETTING 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. PATIENTS Thirty-two cutaneous lesions that represented the spectrum of leprosy were obtained from 32 patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE 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.