RESUMO
To evaluate the role of angiogenesis in the form of microvessel density [MVD] and proliferative activity in the form of argyrophilic nucleolar organizer region [AgNOR] as independent prognostic parameters in prostatic cancer, tumour tissue from 20 radical prostatectomy specimens was examined. Examination of CD34-immunostained sections was used to calculate MVD. Modified silver stain method was used to calculate AgNORs. The distribution of the microvessel and mean number were variable in benign and different grades of adenocarcinoma. In well differentiated carcinoma, the mean MVD was 34.33 +/- 3.83 while moderately differentiated and high grade lesions were associated with significantly increased MVD [mean 45 +/- 5and 61.67 +/- 7.64 respectively]. Silver stain for AgNOR revealed non-significant increase in the mean count between benign prostatic hyperplasia [BPH], prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia [PIN], and low grade carcinoma [mean = 1.3 +/- 0.48, 1.67 +/- 0.58 and 1.5 +/- 0.55 respectively]. There was significant increase of AgNOR count in malignant cells versus BPH and PIN [mean = 2.09 +/- 0.94, 1,3 +/- 0.48 and 1.67 +/- 0.58 respectively]. There was non-significant difference in the mean number of AgNOR between low and intermediate group [mean = 1.5 +/- 0.55 and 2.33 +/- 0.58 respectiv-ely]. However, there was significant increased number in high grade carcinoma [mean = 4.33 +/- 1.53]