Constitutive expression of ICAM-1 in rat microvascular systems analyzed by laser confocal microscopy

The present study aimed to demonstrate constitutive expression of the intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 among arterioles, capillaries, and venules in the mesentery and liver and to examine the interaction between cultured endothelial cells and leukocytes in rats. ICAM-1 expression in the microvessels in vivo was visually demonstrated by laser confocal fluorescence microscopy. A monoclonal antibody against rat ICAM-1 (1A29) was labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate, and the binding ratio between the fluorescence and immunoglobulin was determined for data calibration. Intravascularly administered fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled 1A29 was distributed heterogeneously among the hierarchy of microvessels in the mesentery: postcapillary venules were the major portion expressing ICAM-1 constitutively, and the density of 1A29 bound to their endothelium was at least 10 times higher than that in true capillaries and arterioles in the same mesentery. On the other hand, the liver expressed ICAM-1 abundantly in sinusoids to the extent similar to that in central venules. These results suggest that postcapillary venules serve as an active gateway with the readiness to help adhere circulating leukocytes exposed to proinflammatory stimuli in acute inflammation.