Microvessel density and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in human radicular cysts.

PURPOSE: To assess vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and microvessel density (MVD) by immunohistochemistry and to relate them to the inflammatory status in a sample of radicular cysts.

METHODS

Specimens of 24 human radicular cysts were examined by immunohistochemistry using antibodies anti-VEGF and anti-CD34 and to evaluate vascular density. Integrity of the epithelium and inflammatory state of the connective tissues were evaluated and related with the immunohistochemical findings. A Spearman correlation test was utilized to compare the means of each parameter.

RESULTS

VEGF immunoreactivity was detected in both epithelial and connective tissues of radicular cysts. Stromal cells showed higher levels of VEGF expression when compared to epithelial cells. MVD proved to be related to VEGF expression levels (P < or = 0.01). In addition, increased MVD was associated with high levels of inflammation (P < or = 0.01). Most of the specimens showed a massive inflammatory infiltrate in the connective tissue. The integrity of the cystic lining tend to decrease with increased inflammation.