Expression of endothelial and leukocyte adhesion molecules intercellular adhesion molecule-1, E-selectin, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 in the bronchial mucosa in steady-state and allergen-induced asthma

Abstract Background: Interactions between cell adhesion molecules and their ligands are an integral part of inflammatory processes and may have direct relevance to the pathology of asthma. Methods: Immunostaining with antibodies to cell adhesion molecules was performed on bronchial biopsy specimens from persons with intrinsic and extrinsic asthma, normal nonasthmatic control subjects, and patients with asthma after allergen challenge. Results: There was constitutive expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), E-selectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in patients with intrinsic and extrinsic asthma and in control subjects. Compared with control subjects, ICAM-1 E-selectin staining in the submucosa was greater in the intrinsic asthmatic group for intensity ( p p p p p p Conclusions: The data suggest a complex pattern of regulation for ICAM-1, E-selectin, and VCAM-1 in vivo, where they may reflect the degree of ongoing inflammation in asthma.