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Expression of an intercellular adhesion molecule, ICAM-1, by human thyroid cells.
A P Weetman1, S Cohen, M W Makgoba
1Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge Clinical School, Addenbrooke's Hospital.
The Journal of Endocrinology
|July 1, 1989
Summary
Thyroid cells in Graves' disease express Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1), especially when exposed to cytokines. This enhanced ICAM-1 expression may increase thyroid cell susceptibility to immune attack.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is crucial for immune cell interactions.
- ICAM-1 is typically found on activated immune cells and endothelium.
- Its role in thyroid autoimmunity is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate ICAM-1 expression on thyroid follicular cells in Graves' disease.
- To determine the effect of cytokines on ICAM-1 expression in vitro.
- To correlate ICAM-1 expression with thyroiditis in vivo.
Main Methods:
- Indirect immunofluorescence analysis of cultured thyroid cells.
- Treatment of cultured cells with gamma-interferon, interleukin-1, and tumor necrosis factor.
- Immunohistochemical analysis of thyroidectomy specimens.
Main Results:
- Basal ICAM-1 expression was observed on 30% of cultured Graves' disease thyroid cells.
- Cytokines significantly increased ICAM-1 expression (proportion and intensity).
- ICAM-1 was detected on thyroid follicular cells in Graves' and Hashimoto's thyroiditis, particularly in infiltrated areas.
Conclusions:
- Thyroid epithelium expresses ICAM-1 in response to local cytokines.
- Enhanced ICAM-1 expression may increase thyroid cell susceptibility to lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity.
- Co-expression with HLA-DR may enhance thyroid follicular cells' accessory function in autoimmune thyroid disease.