Expression of immunoglobulin superfamily members on the lymphatic endothelium of inflamed human small intestine.

Previously, lymphatic endothelium of human tissue has been shown to express only platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1). In this study we examined the expression of immunoglobulin superfamily members on the lymphatic endothelium of human small intestine while in the presence of inflammatory cytokines. Lymphatic vessels were identified by using a cocktail of IgGs for desmoplakin I and II while the presence of inflammatory cytokines was determined by the expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II in the venules. As a result, lymphatic vessels in the tissue with venules expressing MHC class II expressed PECAM-1, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, ICAM-3, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). The expression of ICAM-3 and VCAM-1 was significantly stronger in lymphatic vessels than in blood vessels. The results suggest that inflamed lymphatic endothelium may allow more lymphocyte subpopulations to adhere to the endothelium than non-inflamed lymphatic endothelium, due to the expression of multiple adhesion molecules playing a role. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.