Adhesion molecules in chronic ulcerative colitis.
OBJECTIVE
The adhesion molecule expression in colonic mucosa is pivotal for transition from quiescent to active stage of ulcerative colitis (UC). The aim of the present study is to reveal the adhesion molecule profile of colonic mucosa in the active stage of UC and in remission.


METHODS
Biopsy specimens obtained from 14 patients with UC (seven with active disease and seven with UC in remission) and from seven controls were used. Immunohistochemistry was performed with antibodies against ICAM-1, VCAM-1, E-selectin, LFA-1, Mac-1, and VLA-4.


RESULTS
In controls, slight ICAM-1 positivity was observed on thety endothelium of blood vessels of the mucosal and submucosal layer and only single ICAM-1-, Mac-1-, and LFA-1-positive cells were found. In all patients with UC, the endothelium of venules in the edematous mucosal and submucosal layers was ICAM-1-, VCAM-1-, and E-selectin-positive. Numerous ICAM-1- and LFA-1-positive and less VCAM-1-, Mac-1-, and VLA-4-positive inflammatory cells were detected in mucous layers of acute UC. In specimens of UC in remission, the inflammatory cells positive for the studied adhesion molecules were significantly less in number in the mucosa and submucosa (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Based on the increased expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and their ligands LFA-1 and VLA-4 in patients with UC, we can conclude that these adhesion molecules play a key role in the adherence of lymphocytes and macrophages to endothelial cells maintaining the chronic inflammation. Presence of E-selectin on endothelial cells of venules could be a sign of relapse after remission in UC.
Gulubova
Maya V
MV
Department of General and Clinical Pathology, Medical Faculty, Trakia University, Armeiska Street 11, Stara Zagora, 6000, Bulgaria. mgulubova@hotmail.com
Manolova
Irena M
IM
Vlaykova
Tatyana I
TI
Prodanova
Margarita
M
Jovchev
Jovcho P
JP
D000368:Aged; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000378:metabolism*; D002452:Cell Count; D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000166:cytology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous
D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules