[The distribution of mast cells in benign and malignant prostate lesions and its biologic significance].

OBJECTIVE

To study the distribution profile of mast cells in benign and malignant prostate lesions and its biologic significance.

METHODS

Fifty-three prostate specimens collected from 2000 through 2002 were examined, and the distribution of mast cells were analyzed. The paraffin sections were stained with anti-human mast cell tryptase immunohistologically. The numbers of cells stained with positive results in ten high-power fields were counted, and the mean was calculated.

RESULTS

No significant relationship of mast cell distribution to inflammation in benign prostatic hyperplasias was observed. Significant differences between the mean mast cell numbers of intratumoral region and those of peritumoral region were noted (P<0.05). There was statistically significant difference in the mean mast cell numbers between well-differentiated groups and poorly-differentiated groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

There exists a relationship between prostate carcinoma tissue and mast cells. Mast cells may inhabit the tumor cells by different pathways.