Immunohistochemical evaluation of neoangiogenesis in canine mast cell tumours

The aim of the study was to assess the microvessel density based on the analysis of the expression of the CD31, VEGF, and LIMS-1 proteins in canine mast cell tumours. The study was conducted on 60 mastocytomas; 16 cases were classified as the grade I, 26 as the grade II, and 18 as the grade III. Statistical analysis showed a positive correlation only between the grade of the tumour and the expression of LIMS-1. In conclusion, LIMS-1 could be successfully used as a prognostic endothelial cell marker in mast cell tumour. CD31 may be a useful marker, but further examinations are necessary. VEGF is not recommended