Modulation of PECAM-1 (CD31) expression in human endothelial cells: effect of IFNgamma and IL-10

Intercellular contacts formed between endothelial cells (EC) permit the formation of a confluent monolayer and play a major role in the recruitment and the migration of leukocytes in the inflammatory response. It is currently accepted that cytokines are responsible for the signals involved in the induction of such endothelial alterations. The platelet EC adhesion molecule (PECAM-1), a specific component of EC junctions, is one of many molecules which participate in the regulation of EC interaction with blood components. Given that the regulatory mechanisms which affect the expression of this adhesion molecule are only partially understood, the aim of the present study was to compare the effects of two antagonistic inflammatory cytokines, interferon (IFN)-gamma and interleukin (IL)-10, on the expression of PECAM-1. Human umbilical vein EC grown to subconfluence were stimulated with IL-10 (10 ng/ml) and/or IFNgamma (100 U/ml) for 24 h. PECAM-1 expression was determined by FACScan and immunofluorescence. Morphological analysis of the cell cultures was performed by optical and scanning electron microscopy. In the presence of IL-10, no changes in cell growth and morphology or in the intensity of PECAM-1 expression were observed. However, when the cultures were treated with IFNgamma, the EC acquired a fibroblast-like appearance, growth was disorganized and PECAM-1 disappeared from cell junctions. The mean intensity expression and the percentage of EC expression of this antigen were analyzed by flow cytometry and significantly decreased after culture in the presence of IFNgamma. The simultaneous addition of IFNgamma and IL-10 to the EC cultures induced modifications similar to those observed in the presence of IFNgamma alone. Regulation of the expression of PECAM-1 with the subsequent functional implications seems to be dependent upon the IFNgamma signal and it is unaffected by IL-10. The different effects shown by IL-10 and IFNgamma on the expression of PECAM-1 in EC could reflect opposite regulatory actions of the inflammatory response induced by these cytokines.