INCREASED MAST-CELL INFILTRATION IN VARICOSE-VEINS OF THE LOWER-LIMBS- A POSSIBLE ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF VARICES

Background. This study shows increased infiltration of mast cells in t he walls of varicose veins in the lower limbs as an explanation of the pathogenesis of varix formation. Methods. Great saphenous veins exhib iting varicosity were histologically examined after vein stripping sur gery, and the numbers of mast cells in the varicose lesions were estim ated in 20 high-power fields (x400). Normal-looking regions of the vei ns were referred to as controls, and normal saphenous veins were prepa red during coronary artery bypass grafting and designated baseline con trols. Results. The varicose lesions showed a greater extent of mast c ell infiltration (15.0 +/- 8.4 cells; mean +/- standard deviation), wh ereas control veins (5.9 +/- 4.0) and baseline control veins (4.4 +/- 2.9) had a smaller number of mast cells, Conclusions. The study sugges ts that increased mast cell infiltration contributes to the developmen t of varicose veins.