Expression and function of L-selectin molecules (LECAM-1) in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
BACKGROUND
The notion that adhesion molecules play a crucial role in lymphoma/leukemia dissemination is widely accepted. Individual cases of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) show well-defined variables in the extent and pattern of peripheral blood and nodal involvement. The L-selectin adhesion molecule (TQ1/Leu-8, LAM series and LECAM-1) initiates the attachment of lymphocytes to the high endothelial venules (HEVs), and as a consequence the entrance of lymphocytes from the blood into the peripheral lymph node (recirculation which may be operative in lymphoma/leukemia dissemination as well).


METHODS
The constitutional expression of L-selectin molecules (LECAM-1) on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from B-CLL (16 cases) was examined and correlated with receptor function in an HEV-binding assay and in a ligand immobilization test.


CONCLUSIONS
A correlation was found between constitutional expression and function of the L-selectins, namely the higher the number of cells expressing L-selectin molecules at a measurable level on the cell surface, the greater the number of cells showing attachment in the tests. It is suggested that many aspects of the biological and clinical heterogeneity of B-CLL will be explained by revealing the exact adhesion profile and function in different subtypes of the disease.
Csanaky
G
G
Department of Pathology, University Medical School of Pécs, Hungary.
Vass
J A
JA
Milosevits
J
J
Ocsovszki
I
I
Szomor
A
A
Schmelczer
M
M
D000368:Aged; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019041:L-Selectin; D015451:Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D019041:L-Selectin