Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1: expression in normal and diseased skin and regulation in vivo by interferon gamma.
BACKGROUND
Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) is an endothelial protein with adhesive properties for inflammatory cells including lymphocytes. Its role in skin disease and regulation in vivo are uncertain.


OBJECTIVE
Our purpose was to determine expression of VCAM-1 in normal and inflamed skin and the effect on this of the T-cell-derived cytokine interferon gamma (IFN-gamma).


METHODS
VCAM-1 was detected immunohistochemically in frozen-section biopsy specimens of inflammatory dermatoses and skin tumors. Volunteers received intradermal IFN-gamma and underwent biopsy 2 hours to 6 days later.


RESULTS
In normal skin, VCAM-1 was present on perivascular dendritic cells and some follicular keratinocytes. In allergic contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis, VCAM-1 was variably upregulated on dermal endothelium and dendritic cells, but was most pronounced in lichen planus. IFN-gamma led to marked upregulation of endothelial and dermal dendritic cell VCAM-1.


CONCLUSIONS
VCAM-1 may be involved in the pathogenesis of various skin diseases and in vivo, IFN-gamma is a potent modulator of its expression.
Groves
R W
RW
Laboratory of Applied Dermatopathology, St Johns Institute of Dermatology, United Medical School, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
Ross
E L
EL
Barker
J N
JN
MacDonald
D M
DM
D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000235:genetics*; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000378:metabolism; D015870:Gene Expression; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015603:Keratinocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D008010:Lichen Planus / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism*; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D015854:Up-Regulation; D019010:Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1
D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D019010:Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1; D007371:Interferon-gamma