Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026
Long-term Intravital Immunofluorescence Imaging of Tissue Matrix Components with Epifluorescence and Two-photon Microscopy
Published on: April 22, 2014
Detection and quantification of mast cell, vascular endothelial growth factor, and microvessel density in human
T Fonseca-Silva1, C C O Santos, L R Alves
1Department of Dentistry, State University of Montes Claros, Montes Claros, MG, Brazil.
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.
Insights
Periapical cysts showed significantly more mast cells (MCs) than granulomas. Both lesion types exhibited similar vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and microvessel density (MVD), suggesting distinct immune roles.
Area of Science:
- Oral pathology
- Immunohistochemistry
- Cell biology
Background:
- Periapical lesions, including cysts and granulomas, are inflammatory responses to pulpal necrosis.
- Mast cells (MCs) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) play roles in inflammation and angiogenesis.
- Microvessel density (MVD) is a marker of neovascularization in pathological tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify mast cells (MCs) in human periapical cysts and granulomas.
- To evaluate and compare vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in these lesions.
- To determine and compare microvessel density (MVD) in periapical cysts and granulomas.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of archived human periapical cysts (n=40) and granulomas (n=28).
- Mast cells (MCs) identified and counted using toluidine blue staining.
- Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and microvessel density (MVD) assessed via immunohistochemistry (CD31 antibody).
Main Results:
- Mast cells (MCs) were present in both lesion types, predominantly in peripheral regions.
- Significantly higher mast cell (MC) counts were found in periapical cysts compared to granulomas (P < 0.05).
- Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and microvessel density (MVD) were comparable between cysts and granulomas.
Conclusions:
- Periapical cysts exhibit a greater abundance of mast cells (MCs) than periapical granulomas.
- The presence of VEGF and MVD supports their involvement in the immune mechanisms of these periapical lesions.
- Findings suggest distinct roles for mast cells in the pathogenesis of periapical cysts and granulomas.
