The expression of non-mast histamine in tumor associated microvessels in human colorectal cancers

Pathol Oncol Res. 2013 Apr;19(2):311-6. doi: 10.1007/s12253-012-9584-y. Epub 2012 Dec 14.

Abstract

Angiogenesis is essential for the growth, expansion and metastasis of human colorectal cancers (CRCs). Histamine produced by mast cells is a potent proangiogenic factor. However, the significance of non-mast cell expressing histamine in the tumor microenvironment remains unknown. In this study, we evaluated the histamine positive microvessels with the specific marker for biosynthesis of histamine L-histidine decarboxylase (HDC) in the CRC tumor microenvironment. The relationship between HDC positive microvessel density (HDC-MVD) and clinical pathological parameters was assessed. The results revealed that HDC-MVD in the tumor microenvironment of CRCs was significantly increased as compared with the controls. CRC patients with lymph node invasion had a particularly higher density of HDC-MVD than those without. The density of HDC-MVD accounted for ~79 % of CD34 positive MVD in CRCs and double IHC analysis demonstrated that these HDC positive microvessels were mostly CD34 positive microvessels and with a high proliferative activity. Our results suggest that histamine expressed in microvessels could be an additional cellular source and involved in the cancer invasion through promoting angiogenesis in human CRCs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, CD34 / genetics
  • Antigens, CD34 / metabolism
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / blood supply*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / genetics
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Female
  • Histamine / biosynthesis*
  • Histamine / genetics
  • Histamine / metabolism
  • Histidine Decarboxylase / genetics
  • Histidine Decarboxylase / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Lymph Nodes / metabolism
  • Lymph Nodes / pathology
  • Lymphatic Metastasis / genetics
  • Lymphatic Metastasis / pathology
  • Male
  • Mast Cells / metabolism*
  • Mast Cells / pathology
  • Microvessels / metabolism
  • Microvessels / pathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness / genetics
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness / pathology
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / genetics
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / metabolism
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / pathology
  • Prognosis
  • Tumor Microenvironment / genetics

Substances

  • Antigens, CD34
  • Histamine
  • Histidine Decarboxylase