Angiogenesis in cutaneous lesions of leprosy: implications for treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the potential role of angiogenesis in leprosy.

DESIGN: Immunohistochemical analysis of leprosy lesions.

SETTING: Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology, Kasturba Medical College; Division of Dermatology, University of California at Los Angeles; and Departments of Dermatology and Pathology, Emory University.

PATIENTS: Thirty-two cutaneous lesions that represented the spectrum of leprosy were obtained from 32 patients.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: CD31 microvessel counts.

RESULTS: The mean CD31 microvessel count in borderline tuberculoid, midborderline, and lepromatous leprosy lesions was significantly higher than in indeterminate leprosy lesions.

CONCLUSIONS: Increased bacterial load is associated with increased angiogenesis. Angiogenesis inhibitors may be of benefit in the treatment of leprosy.