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Updated: Jul 14, 2026
10:24
Quantitation of Endothelial Cell Adhesiveness In Vitro
Published on: June 18, 2015
Endothelial-leukocyte adhesive interactions in inflammatory diseases
1Department of Histopathology, University College London Medical School, U.K.
European Heart Journal
|December 1, 1993
Summary
Vascular endothelium expresses adhesion molecules like E-selectin and ICAM-1, guiding leukocyte accumulation in inflammation. These molecules and their ligands may play a role in atherosclerosis, linking inflammation to this disease.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Vascular endothelium plays a key role in leukocyte recruitment during inflammation.
- Endothelial cells express adhesion molecules such as E-selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1).
- These molecules mediate the adhesion and emigration of leukocytes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of endothelial adhesion molecules in inflammation.
- To explore the relevance of these inflammatory mechanisms to atherosclerosis.
- To investigate the presence and potential function of sialyl-Lewis X on endothelium.
Main Methods:
- Experimental models of inflammation in animals.
- Studies in human subjects to examine endothelial expression.
- Review of existing literature on endothelial adhesion and atherosclerosis.
Main Results:
- E-selectin and ICAM-1 are induced during inflammation, facilitating leukocyte adhesion and emigration.
- E-selectin is expressed on human endothelium during inflammation.
- Sialyl-Lewis X, a ligand for E-selectin, is found on leukocytes and unexpectedly on endothelium.
- Vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) is another described endothelial adhesion receptor.
- A VCAM-1 homologue is present on atherosclerotic lesions in rabbits.
Conclusions:
- Endothelial adhesion molecules are critical in inflammatory processes.
- The mechanisms of leukocyte adhesion in inflammation are relevant to understanding atherosclerosis.
- Sialyl-Lewis X on endothelium may function as an adhesion receptor, warranting further investigation.
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