Expression of leukocyte cell adhesion molecules on gastric carcinomas: possible involvement of LFA-3 expression in the development of distant metastases.
Expression of the cell adhesion molecules ICAM-1 (CD54) and LFA-3 (CD58) was examined on primary gastric carcinomas, autologous benign mucosa and metastatic lesions. Although ICAM-1 was never observed on benign gastric epithelium, even in the presence of chronic inflammation and a strong leukocyte infiltrate, 38% (26/69) of the primary tumors expressed this molecule. ICAM-1 was restricted to differentiated tumors and correlated with the presence of leukocytes and the absence of vessel invasion. The ICAM-1 expression pattern of metastatic lesions reflected that of the primary tumor, suggesting that most tumors retain the non-inducible phenotype seen in normal mucosa while some become cytokine-sensitive. ICAM-1 expression showed no correlation with tumor relapse or survival. LFA-3 was absent from 8% (4/49) of the primary tumors and reduced (e.g., < or = 50% positive cells) in 33% (16/49). Expression of LFA-3 by more than 50% of the tumor cells correlated with cellular dedifferentiation (G3, G4), histologically detectable vessel invasion, tumor recurrence and decreased survival time. Primary tumors and metastases in draining lymph nodes demonstrated a broad range of LFA-3 expression. In contrast, distant metastases (liver and peritoneum) had uniformly high frequencies of LFA-3-positive cells, suggesting a selective advantage for these cells in the establishment of distant metastases.
Department of Surgery, Grosshadern Clinic, Munich, Germany.
B
B
Mayer
C
C
Lorenz
R
R
Babic
K W
KW
Jauch
F W
FW
Schildberg
I
I
Funke
J P
JP
Johnson
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D018968:CD58 Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D005753:Gastric Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 / Q000032:analysis*; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D016019:Survival Analysis
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D018968:CD58 Antigens; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1