Increase in the adhesion molecule P-selectin in endothelium overlying atherosclerotic plaques. Coexpression with intercellular adhesion molecule-1

Am J Pathol. 1994 May;144(5):952-61.

Abstract

P-selectin (GMP-140) is an adhesion molecule present within endothelial cells that is rapidly translocated to the cell membrane upon activation, where it mediates endothelial-leukocyte interactions. Immunohistochemical analysis of human atherosclerotic plaques has shown strong expression of P-selectin by the endothelium overlying active atherosclerotic plaques. P-selectin is not, however, detected in normal arterial endothelium or in endothelium overlying inactive fibrous plaques. Color image analysis was used to quantitate the degree of P-selectin expression in the endothelium and demonstrates a statistically significant increase in P-selectin expression by atherosclerotic endothelial cells. Double immunofluorescence shows that some of this P-selectin is expressed on the luminal surface of the endothelial cells. Previous work has demonstrated a significant up-regulation in the expression of the intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in atherosclerotic endothelium and a study on the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and P-selectin in atherosclerosis shows a highly positive correlation. These results suggest that the selective and cooperative expression of P-selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 may be involved in the recruitment of monocytes into sites of atherosclerosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Arteriosclerosis / metabolism*
  • Arteriosclerosis / pathology
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / metabolism*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / metabolism*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / pathology
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1
  • P-Selectin
  • Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • P-Selectin
  • Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1