[A study of adhesion molecule expression in extraocular muscles of Graves' ophthalmopathy].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in extraocular muscles (EOM) of the eyes with Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO).


METHODS
Seventeen EOM specimens obtained from 16 severe patients with GO and their cryostat sections were observed by double labeling immunohistochemical methods.


RESULTS
The expression of ICAM-1 was observed in interstitial and perimysial connective tissue surrounding EOM fibers, mononuclear cells, fibroblasts and vascular endothelial cells. Only were vascular endothelial cells stained for VCAM-1, and ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 immunoreactivities were not detected in EOM cells.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings indicate that ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 might be involved in the development of GO, and fibroblasts, vascular endothelial cells and mononuclear cells might play important roles in the autoimmune reaction.
He
W
W
Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital, West China University of Medical Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China.
Luo
Q
Q
Cheng
N
N
Tang
L
L
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006111:Graves Disease / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009801:Oculomotor Muscles / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D019010:Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 / Q000096:biosynthesis*
D019010:Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1