Expression of adhesion molecules in the host response to colon carcinoma

Expression of the adhesion molecules LFA-1, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 was studied in five resected colon carcinomas, one villous adenoma, and normal colon mucosa to determine whether expression of these markers is increased in response to tumor. Frozen tissue samples were stained by a labeled avidin-biotin technique using primary antibodies to LFA-1 (CD11a), CD2, CD4, CD8, CD20, CD68, HLA-DR, ICAM-1 (CD54), and VCAM-1. For each marker, the number of positive mononuclear cells was graded semiquantitatively, and stromal and endothelial cells were scored as either positive or negative. Overall grade of inflammation was increased in tumor compared with normal mucosa in five cases. Cells positive for LFA-1, CD2, CD4, CD8, and CD20 were increased in the tumors in the same cases. ICAM-1 was expressed in vessels, inflammatory cells, and stromal cells in normal mucosa. It was markedly increased in tumor stroma in all six cases. VCAM-1 was negative in normal mucosa, and focally expressed in tumor vessels and stroma. We conclude that increased expression of adhesion molecules occurs around colon neoplasms, particularly in stromal cells, and may be a mechanism for the recruitment of activated leukocytes as part of the inflammatory response to colon carcinomas.