Increased microvessel density in mucinous compared with malignant serous and benign tumours of the ovary

Abstract

Microvessel density of benign, borderline and malignant ovarian tumours was studied immunohistochemically using antibodies to the endothelial cell markers CD31, CD34 and factor VIII-related antigen. Microvessel density was compared in tumours of different histological subtype, stage and patient outcome. CD31-immunostained sections were examined and regions of high and average microvessel density were selected. Identical regions were located on CD34- and factor VIII-related antigen-immunostained serial sections and microvessel counts obtained and converted to vessels mm-2. CD31 and CD34 immunostaining revealed increased microvessel density in both the high and average vessel density regions o..