[In situ expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in human glomerulonephritis]

We conducted immunocytochemical analysis with in situ hybridization technique to investigate the presence and role of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in normal and diseased kidneys. A total of 64 renal biopsy specimens were classified in three groups according to the degree of cellular proliferation in glomerulus. Group A presented no or mild proliferation (n = 38). Group B showed definite proliferation (n = 21). Group C had glomerular sclerosis (n = 5). The ratio of cases exhibiting increased glomerular ICAM-1 expression in lupus nephritis (9/10) was significantly different from that in minimally changed disease (1/5) (P = 0.017). Glomerular ICAM-1 expression level correlated well with the cellular proliferation and infiltration in glomerulus (B&A: P < 0.001; C&B: P < 0.05). The percentage of cases with tubular ICAM-1 positivity in group B (81.0%) and group C (100%) was greater than that in group A (52.6%), which was also correlated with that of interstitial cell infiltration. In situ hybridization of 9 renal biopsies with digoxigenin labelled oligo probe proved immunocytochemical findings. We conclude that glomerular ICAM-1 expression level is correlated with inflammatory degree of glomerulus and that tubular ICAM-1 expression is associated with interstitial cell infiltration.