Circulating adhesion molecules in sarcoidosis.
Sarcoidosis is a disease of unknown etiology characterized by non-caseating granulomata together with a number of systemic abnormalities. We have recently shown these include increased expression of the integrins CD11/CD18 on peripheral blood leucocytes. Here we have measured serum levels of the adhesion molecules intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), E-selectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in 23 patients and 14 normal controls using antigen capture sandwich ELISAs. Median circulating E-selectin levels in the patients were nearly three times those of the controls (P < 0.0001, Mann-Whitney U-test), whilst ICAM-1 but not VCAM-1 levels were only slightly elevated. These results show that endothelial cell activation and shedding of E-selectin into the circulation are additional features of the pathology of sarcoidosis.
Hamblin
A S
AS
Department of Immunology, United Medical School, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK.
Shakoor
Z
Z
Kapahi
P
P
Haskard
D
D
D000328:Adult; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000032:analysis; D018845:CD11 Antigens; D018821:CD18 Antigens; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000097:blood*; D019040:E-Selectin; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016028:Receptors, Leukocyte-Adhesion / Q000032:analysis; D012507:Sarcoidosis / Q000097:blood*; D019010:Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1
D015703:Antigens, CD; D018845:CD11 Antigens; D018821:CD18 Antigens; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D019040:E-Selectin; D016028:Receptors, Leukocyte-Adhesion; D019010:Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1