VEGF, VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, microvessel density and endothelial cell proliferation in tumours of the ovary

Abstract

VEGF is an angiogenic factor with potent endothelial cell (EC) proliferative actions. Our aim was to investigate whether expression of VEGF and its receptors and EC proliferation differ between ovarian tumour types and regions of the vasculature. VEGF, VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2 and EC proliferation were examined immuno-histochemically, and in situ hybridisation (ISH) studies of VEGF mRNA expression were performed and assessed in regions of high (HVD) and average (AVD) vessel density. VEGF immunostaining was significantly stronger in HVD regions of malignant compared with borderline serous tumours. VEGF immunostaining did not differ between tumour types; however, the percentage of VEGFR-1-and VEGFR-2-..