Expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in atherosclerotic plaques.
Immunohistochemistry of human atherosclerotic arteries demonstrates expression of the intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) on endothelial cells, macrophages, and smooth muscle cells of the plaques. Normal arterial endothelial cells and intimal smooth muscle outside plaques give weaker or negative reactions; these differ from the strong endothelial expression in small vessels. Quantitative color-image analysis of the endothelial layer shows increased expression of ICAM-1 in all subtypes of atherosclerotic lesions, except fibrous plaques. Endothelial expression of ICAM-1 may be involved in the recruitment of monocytes to the lesion, as suggested by its role in the entry of leukocytes, including monocytes, into foci of inflammation. Collaboration with other mechanisms, particularly chemoattractant factors, may be important for this effect. ICAM-1 enhanced monocyte recruitment is a potential mechanism for the growth of an atherosclerotic plaque.
Department of Experimental Pathology, United Medical and Dental School, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
R N
RN
Poston
D O
DO
Haskard
J R
JR
Coucher
N P
NP
Gall
R R
RR
Johnson-Tidey
D001158:Arteries / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000378:metabolism*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D012016:Reference Values; D013194:Staining and Labeling
D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1