The number of LECs increases in auricular LNs that drain the inflamed ears of VEGF-A Tg mice. Auricular LNs were analyzed 9 days after induction of a DTH response to oxazolone in the ears of VEGF-A Tg mice. (A,B) At this time point, LN weight (A) and cellularity (B) were markedly increased in LNs draining inflamed ears compared with those draining control (ctr) ears. (C) FACS analysis of cell suspensions of auricular LN was used to differentiate between leukocytes, BECs, and LECs. (D,E) Quantitative FACS analysis revealed that the total number of LECs (D) was increased in inflamed compared with control LNs, whereas the total number BECs (E) remained unchanged. ***P < .001 (compared with control). (F) Immunofluorescence analysis of LYVE-1 (green) and MECA-32 (red) expression confirmed that lymphatic structures were markedly expanded in LNs draining inflamed compared with control ears. Scale bars represent 100 μm. Error bars are SE.