Distinct ICAM-1 forms and expression pathways in synovial microvascular endothelial cells.

Human synovial endothelial cell (HSE) intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is upregulated maximally by synergy of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) and interferon gamma (IFN gamma). Such synergy is not as pronounced in human umbilical vein endothelium (HUVE). ICAM surface staining and ELISA detection reflected similar levels on HUVE and HSE cells, yet mRNA levels were much higher in HSE cells in response to TNF alpha/IFN gamma. To correlate protein and mRNA levels of ICAM-1, both cell types were permeabilized and stained with a monoclonal antibody against ICAM-1. HSE cells displayed a distinct vesicular cytoplasmic staining for ICAM while HUVE cells were devoid of such stained vesicles upon staining with the antibody. ICAM-1 immunostaining of HSE cytoplasmic vesicles appeared enhanced in cells treated with TNF alpha/IFN gamma and monensin, an endosomal processing inhibitor. Monensin inhibited HSE cell surface expression of ICAM-1 routinely up to 70%, while HUVE cell expression was unaffected. In addition, monensin also inhibited soluble ICAM-1 release from HSE cells while not effecting HUVE cells. Immunoprecipitation of ICAM-1 followed by gel electrophoresis indicated that HUVE and HSE cell ICAMs are expressed in cell-specific forms. These results define distinct forms and distinct secretory pathways for ICAM-1 in HSE cells and HUVE cells that indicate functional differences between these human endothelia.