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Detection of circulating intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in chronic liver diseases
D H Adams1, E Mainolfi, P Burra
1Liver Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.)
|September 1, 1992
Summary
Levels of circulating intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) are elevated in primary biliary cirrhosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis, suggesting lymphocyte activation and a potential role in immune regulation for these liver diseases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hepatology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is found on bile ducts in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).
- Activated lymphocytes release soluble ICAM-1 (sICAM-1) into serum, which may regulate inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure sICAM-1 levels in patients with PBC and PSC.
- To investigate the source of sICAM-1 in these chronic liver diseases.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect sICAM-1 in patient serum.
- Biliary epithelial cells from PBC patients were stimulated in vitro.
Main Results:
- sICAM-1 levels were significantly elevated in PBC and PSC compared to other chronic liver diseases.
- Biliary epithelial cells did not release sICAM-1 when stimulated, suggesting lymphocytes as the source.
Conclusions:
- Elevated sICAM-1 in PBC and PSC likely reflects lymphocyte activation, supporting immune pathogenesis.
- sICAM-1 may have an immunoregulatory role in chronic inflammatory liver diseases.