Purpose: To investigate the expression and clinical significance of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and microvessel density (MVD) in ameloblastomas (ABs).
Methods: The expression of TAMs (CD68) and MVD (CD34) was examined in 101 ABs and 26 oral mucosa by streptavidin-peroxidase (SP) immunohistochemical technique and then quantified. The data were analyzed by Student's t test and Pearson correlation test using SPSS 11.5 software package.
Results: TAMs and MVD were mainly distributed within the stroma of ABS. TAMs count and MVD count were significantly higher in ABs compared with normal oral mucosa (P<0.05). Linear correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between TAMs count and MVD count in ABs (r=0.428, P<0.05).
Conclusion: Increased TAMs is associated with angiogenesis and may play an important role in invasive growth of ABs.