Soluble forms of E-selectin, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 are present in the supernatants of cytokine activated cultured endothelial cells.

Soluble forms of the adhesion molecules ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and E-selectin have been detected in supernatants from cytokine activated cultured endothelial cells. The release has been quantified using two site enzyme immunoassays. The molecular weights of the released molecules have been determined by immunoprecipitation and are consistent with the generation of soluble forms by cleavage at a site close to the point of membrane insertion.