[Expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in immune response of the inner ear].
OBJECTIVE
To understand the role of intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1) in the immune response of the inner ear.


METHODS
Inner ear immune response was induced in rats by inoculation of key-hole limpet hemocyanine(KLH) into the scala tympani of animals who had been systemically sensitized. Then the expression of ICAM-1 in the inner ear was examined by immunohistochemistry.


RESULTS
ICAM-1 was found in the epithelium of the spiral modiolar vein (SMV) with its collecting venules (CV) as early as 6 hours postchallenge. Expression of ICAM-1 was observed on the epithelium of the endolymphatic sac(ES) and perisaccular region at 12 hours. The intensity of ICAM-1 staining reached a maximum by 24 or 48 hours in these sites of the inner ear. By day 28, most specimens were devoid of significant staining for ICAM-1.


CONCLUSIONS
The study elucidates the important role of adhesion molecules in extravasation of inflammatory cells from the systemic circulation during an inner ear immune response. It also shows that cytokines controlling expression of adhesion molecules may be released by cells located outside of ES besides those cells in the ES.
Gong
S
S
Union Hospital, Tongji Medical University, Wuhan 430022.
Zeng
X
X
Wang
J
J
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000818:Animals; D007758:Ear, Inner / Q000276:immunology*; D004712:Endolymphatic Sac / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006433:Hemocyanins; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1; D006433:Hemocyanins; C032808:keyhole-limpet hemocyanin