Expression of CD34 and CD31 in Central and Peripheral Giant Cell Granulomas

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: There are some differences between clinical features of central giant cell granulomas (CGCGs) and peripheral giant cell granulomas (CGCGs) despite their same microscopic features. The possible role of angiogenesis in this issue is still a matter of debate. PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to compare microvessel density (MVD) between CGCGs and PGCGs of the oral cavity using CD31 and CD34. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Immunohistochemical staining was performed on 18 PGCGs and 19 CGCGs using a monoclonal antibody against CD34 and CD31. MVD was assessed and compared between the lesions using t-test for statistical analysis. p< 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The expression levels of both CD34 and CD31 were significantly higher in CGCGs compared to PGCGs (p< 0.002 and p< 0.001, respectively). Significant differences in MVD assessed by both markers were observed between males and females in PGCGs (p< 0.05), but not CGCGs (p< 0.2). CONCLUSION: The combined evaluation of old- and newly-formed vessels by pan-endothelial cell markers showed differences between CGCGs and PGCGs, supporting the possible vascular-proliferative nature of the former. Whether this difference has a part in their diverse biologic behaviors and the role which pre-existent vessels play in comparison to neo-formed vasculature, requires further investigation.