Leukocyte adhesion molecules in chronic inflammatory diseases of the cornea

Abstract

Using immunohistochemical techniques, we investigated the expression of leukocyte adhesion molecules-intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), E-selectin (endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1)--in various chronic inflammatory corneal diseases of different etiology. ICAM-1 was focally expressed on epithelial cells and showed an increased expression, on keratocytes, corneal endothelial cells, and vascular endothelial cells. E-selectin was present on vascular endothelial cells of several corneas, while VCAM-1 was found particularly on macrophages and only sporadically on vascular endothelial cells. Our results suggest that ICAM-1, E-selectin, and VCAM-1 may be involved in the pathogenesis of various chronic inflammatory corneal diseases, particularly in the selective recruitment of different leukocyte populations.