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Macrophages and microvessel density in tumors of the ovary
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Australia.
Abstract:
Macrophages are members of the mononuclear phagocyte system and synthesize and release many angiogenesis stimulators and inhibitors. Previous studies have demonstrated heterogeneous macrophage populations in ovarian tumors. The aim of this study was to compare macrophage number between different types of ovarian tumors and between regions of high (HVD) and average (AVD) microvessel density (MVD). Macrophages were visualized using CD68 antibody. Previously determined regions of HVD and AVD were located on CD68 immunostained sections and image analysis software was used to count the number of positively stained cells per square millimeter. CD68-positive macrophage number did not differ between benign, mucinous, and serous ovarian tumors or between regions of HVD and AVD (ANOVA; P > 0.05). In both HVD and AVD regions of benign tumors, macrophage number positively correlated with MVD (Spearman rank correlation coefficient; P < 0.03). In contrast, a small but significant negative correlation between macrophage number and MVD was observed in HVD regions of serous tumors (Spearman rank correlation coefficient; P > 0.05). Macrophage infiltration does not appear to differ between ovarian tumor types; however, macrophages may have a positive influence on the vascularization of benign ovarian tumors.
Insights
Macrophage infiltration in ovarian tumors did not vary by type or microvessel density. However, macrophages may promote vascularization in benign ovarian tumors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Macrophages are key in the mononuclear phagocyte system, influencing angiogenesis.
- Ovarian tumors exhibit diverse macrophage populations.
- Understanding macrophage roles in ovarian tumor vascularization is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare macrophage counts across different ovarian tumor types.
- To analyze macrophage numbers in high (HVD) and average (AVD) microvessel density (MVD) regions.
- To investigate the relationship between macrophage infiltration and MVD in ovarian tumors.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry using CD68 antibody to visualize macrophages.
- Image analysis software to quantify CD68-positive cells per square millimeter.
- Statistical analysis (ANOVA, Spearman correlation) to compare groups and assess relationships.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in CD68-positive macrophage numbers was found between benign, mucinous, and serous ovarian tumors.
- Macrophage counts did not differ between HVD and AVD regions.
- A positive correlation between macrophage number and MVD was observed in benign tumors, while a negative correlation was noted in serous tumors' HVD regions.
Conclusions:
- Macrophage infiltration is consistent across different ovarian tumor types and microvessel densities.
- Macrophages may positively influence vascularization in benign ovarian tumors.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the complex role of macrophages in ovarian tumorigenesis.