Sites Of Acute Inflammation Research Articles

Human Thy‐1 induces secretion of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 and CXCL8 from human neutrophils

Neutrophils are the first cells arriving at sites of acute inflammation. On their way from blood to the site of inflammation, neutrophils have to adhere to endothelial cells (EC), to transverse the basement membrane and subsequently to travel through the interstitial matrix. Recently, we have shown that human Thy-1 is an alternate EC receptor for the leukocyte integrin Mac-1 that contributes to leukocyte recruitment to sites of inflammation, providing a new pathway for adhesion and transmigration of neutrophils. Here, we studied the effect of Thy-1-mediated adhesion on neutrophil functions. Binding of neutrophils to recombinant human Thy-1 stimulated the release of MMP-9 from neutrophils, resulting in their enhanced migration through collagen-IV and matrigel. Further, we showed that neutrophil interaction with Thy-1 stimulated secretion of CXCL8 and thus could support the attraction of additional neutrophils to inflammatory sites. Blocking experiments confirmed the pivotal roles of Thy-1 on activated dermal EC or fibroblasts and its counter receptor CD18 on neutrophils for the regulation of MMP-9 and CXCL8 release from neutrophils. Our results support the general concept that the function of 'adhesion molecules' in particular of human Thy-1, may not only be to provide mechanical support but also regulate neutrophil functions.

Lack of matrix metalloproteinase-9 worsens ventilator-induced lung injury

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is released by neutrophils at the sites of acute inflammation. This enzyme modulates matrix turnover and inflammatory response, and its activity has been found to be increased after ventilator-induced lung injury. To clarify the role of MMP-9, mice lacking this enzyme and their wild-type counterparts were ventilated for 2 h with high- or low-peak inspiratory pressures (25 and 15 cmH2O, respectively). Lung injury was evaluated by gas exchange, respiratory mechanics, wet-to-dry weight ratio, and histological analysis. The activity of MMP-9 and levels of IL-1beta, IL-4, and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP-2) were measured in lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Cell count and myeloperoxidase activity were measured in BALF. There were no differences between wild-type and Mmp9-/- animals after low-pressure ventilation. After high-pressure ventilation, wild-type mice exhibited an increase in MMP-9 in tissue and BALF. Mice lacking MMP-9 developed more severe lung injury than wild-type mice, in terms of impaired oxygenation and lung mechanics, and higher damage in the histological study. These effects correlated with an increase in both cell count and myeloperoxidase activity in the BALF, suggesting an increased neutrophilic influx in response to ventilation. An increase in IL-1beta and IL-4 in the BALF only in knockout mice could be responsible for the differences. There were no differences between genotypes in MMP-2, MMP-8, or tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases. These results show that MMP-9 protects against ventilator-induced lung injury by decreasing alveolar neutrophilic infiltration, probably by modulation of the cytokine response in the air spaces.

Calprotectin, an abundant cytosolic protein from human polymorphonuclear leukocytes, inhibits the growth of Borrelia burgdorferi.

We previously showed that numerous polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) granule components efficiently kill Borrelia burgdorferi, the agent of Lyme disease. In addition, motile, granule-poor cytoplasts (U-Cyt) from human blood PMN can exert anti-Borrelia activity against opsonized B. burgdorferi independently of oxidative mechanisms. Here we show that lysates of U-Cyt also possess anti-Borrelia activity, a portion of which comes from the abundant cytosolic protein calprotectin. The anti-Borrelia activity of U-Cyt lysates and recombinant calprotectin was partially or completely reversed by specific antibody to calprotectin and by Zn(2+), a cation essential for the growth of B. burgdorferi and known to inhibit the antimicrobial activity of calprotectin. Quantitative microscopic and regrowth assays revealed that calprotectin acted in a bacteriostatic fashion against B. burgdorferi. We conclude that calprotectin, a potent bacteriostatic agent from a cell primarily recognized for its oxidative and granular antibacterial mechanisms, may play a modulatory role in infection by the Lyme spirochete, particularly at sites of acute inflammation.

Pharmacodynamics, chiral pharmacokinetics and PK-PD modelling of ketoprofen in the goat.

There have been few studies of the pharmacodynamics of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) using PK-PD modelling, yet this approach offers the advantage of defining the whole concentration-effect relationship, as well as its time course and sensitivity. In this study, ketoprofen (KTP) was administered intravenously to goats as the racemate (3.0 mg/kg total dose) and as the single enantiomers, S(+) KTP and R(-) KTP (1.5 mg/kg of each). The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of KTP were investigated using a tissue cage model of acute inflammation. The pharmacokinetics of both KTP enantiomers was characterized by rapid clearance, short mean residence time (MRT) and low volume of distribution. The penetration of R(-) KTP into inflamed (exudate) and noninflamed (transudate) tissue cage fluids was delayed but area under the curve values were only slightly less than those in plasma, whereas MRT was much longer. The S(+) enantiomer of KTP penetrated less readily into exudate and transudate. Unidirectional inversion of R(-) to S(+) KTP occurred. Both rac-KTP and the separate enantiomers produced marked inhibition of serum thromboxane B2 (TxB2) synthesis (ex vivo) and moderate inhibition of exudate prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis (in vivo); pharmacodynamic variables for S(+) KTP were Emax (%) = 94 and 100; IC50 (microg/mL) = 0.0033 and 0.0030; N = 0.45 and 0.58, respectively, where Emax is the maximal effect, IC50 the plasma drug concentration producing 50% of Emax and N the slope of log concentration/effect relationship. The IC50 ratio, serum TxB2:exudate PGE2 was 1.10. Neither rac-KTP nor the individual enantiomers suppressed skin temperature rise at, or leucocyte infiltration into, the site of acute inflammation. These data illustrate for KTP shallow concentration-response relationships, probable nonselectivity of KTP for cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2 inhibition and lack of measurable effect on components of inflammation.

Identification of nucleolin as a new L-selectin ligand

Apart from leucocyte-endothelial interactions, the adhesion molecule L-selectin mediates the homotypic adhesion of leucocytes during recruitment at sites of acute inflammation, as well as intercellular adhesion of haematopoietic progenitor cells during haematopoiesis. There is evidence that, in addition to P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1, other as-yet-unidentified proteins function as L-selectin ligands on human leucocytes and haematopoietic progenitor cells. In the present study, we show: (i) by affinity chromatography on L-selectin-agarose; (ii) by protein identification using MS; and (iii) by covalent cell-surface labelling with sulphosuccinimidyl-2-(biotinamido)ethyl-1,3-dithiopropionate that the multifunctional nuclear protein nucleolin is partly exposed on the cell surface, and is a ligand of L-selectin in human leucocytes and haematopoietic progenitor cells.

Identification of nucleolin as a new L-selectin ligand

Apart from leucocyte–endothelial interactions, the adhesion molecule L-selectin mediates the homotypic adhesion of leucocytes during recruitment at sites of acute inflammation, as well as intercellular adhesion of haematopoietic progenitor cells during haematopoiesis. There is evidence that, in addition to P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1, other as-yet-unidentified proteins function as L-selectin ligands on human leucocytes and haematopoietic progenitor cells. In the present study, we show: (i) by affinity chromatography on L-selectin–agarose; (ii) by protein identification using MS; and (iii) by covalent cell-surface labelling with sulphosuccinimidyl-2-(biotinamido)ethyl-1,3-dithiopropionate that the multifunctional nuclear protein nucleolin is partly exposed on the cell surface, and is a ligand of L-selectin in human leucocytes and haematopoietic progenitor cells.

Production of Interleukin–8 and Nitric Oxide in Human Periapical Lesions

Bacterial infection of the pulp and root canal system leads to the recruitment of immunocompetent cells in the periapex and stimulates inflammatory cell responses to produce a variety of inflammatory mediators. Cytokines, reactive oxygen intermediates, and reactive nitrogen intermediates are frequently found at sites of acute inflammation. In this study, we measured the levels of interleukin (IL)-8 and nitric oxide (NO) in the periapical exudate (PE) from human periapical lesions and investigated the association of these mediators with the clinical symptoms of periapical periodontitis. PE samples were collected from root canals during routine endodontic treatments. The IL-8 concentration was measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the NO level was measured as nitrite/nitrate concentration assayed by the Griess reaction. Detectable levels of IL-8 and nitrite/nitrate were found in 24 and 19 of 27 PE-samples, respectively. Although PE-IL-8 and nitrite/nitrate concentration showed a broad range, a significantly positive correlation was found between both mediators. Also, significantly higher IL-8 levels were found in PE from lesions that had painful symptoms at the sampling visit. However, there was no relationship between elevated NO levels and clinical symptoms. These results suggest that the up-regulation of IL-8 may have a critical role in the development of the symptoms of periapical disease.

Binding of Paxillin to the α9 Integrin Cytoplasmic Domain Inhibits Cell Spreading

alpha(9)beta(1) integrin is a member of the beta(1) integrin family, plays an important role in extravasation of neutrophils at sites of acute inflammation, and is required for the normal development of the lymphatic system. The alpha(9) and alpha(4) integrin subunits are most closely related and form a subfamily of integrin alpha subunits. Previously, we have reported that the alpha(4) cytoplasmic domain directly and tightly binds paxillin, an intracellular signaling adaptor molecule. This interaction accounts for some of the unusual functional responses to alpha(4) integrin-mediated cell adhesion, including stimulation of cell migration and inhibition of cell spreading and focal adhesion formation. In the current studies, we have examined the interaction between the alpha(9) cytoplasmic domain and paxillin. Here we report that the alpha(9) cytoplasmic domain binds paxillin directly and tightly and that the alpha(9)-paxillin association inhibits cell spreading. We have identified amino acid residues in the alpha(9) cytoplasmic domain, Trp(999) and Trp(1001), that are critical for paxillin binding, and alanine substitution of either Trp(999) or Trp(1001) blocks paxillin binding. Furthermore, these mutations also reverse the effect of the alpha(9) cytoplasmic domain on cell spreading. Thus, the alpha(9) and alpha(4) integrin subunits form a paxillin-binding subfamily of integrin alpha subunits, and direct binding of paxillin to the alpha(9) cytoplasmic domain mediates some of the biological activities of the alpha(9)beta(1) integrin.

Redox regulation of chemokine receptor expression.

Cytokines and reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) are frequent companions at sites of acute inflammation. We have shown previously that in human monocytes, bacterial lipopolysaccharide, IL-1, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha induce a rapid down-regulation of the monocyte chemotactic protein-1 receptor CCR2 (CC chemokine receptor-2). These stimuli also induce production of ROI. In this paper, we investigate the influence of antioxidants and/or ROI on chemokine-receptor expression. In human monocytes, the antioxidant pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) rapidly inhibited CCR2 (95-100% of inhibition) and CCR5 (77-100% of inhibition) mRNA expression by strongly decreasing transcript stability. CCR2 half-life was decreased from 1.5 h to 45 min; CCR5 half-life was decreased from 2 h to 70 min. This inhibitory activity also included CXCR4 (CXC chemokine receptor-4) but not CXCR2 receptor and, although to a lesser extent, was shared by the antioxidants N-acetyl-l-cysteine and 2-mercaptoethanol. In contrast, the ROI-generating system xanthine/xanthine oxidase increased CCR5 and CXCR4 mRNA expression and counteracted the inhibitory effect of PDTC. Accordingly, H(2)O(2) and the glutathione-depleting drug buthionine sulfoximine increased to different extents CCR2, CCR5, and CXCR4 mRNA expression. The PDTC-mediated inhibition of CCR5 and CXCR4 mRNA expression was associated with decreased chemotactic responsiveness (>90% inhibition) and with a marked inhibition of surface-receptor expression. In contrast, xanthine/xanthine oxidase opposed the bacterial lipopolysaccharide- and tumor necrosis factor-alpha-mediated inhibition of CCR5 and CXCR4 mRNA expression and increased both the CCR5 surface expression and the cell migration (3-fold) in response to macrophage inflammatory protein-1beta. These results suggest that the redox status of cells is a crucial determinant in the regulation of the chemokine system.

Appearance of extracellular glutathione peroxidase (eGPx) in the ascite fluid of casein-elicited rats.

Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity was detected in the ascite fluid of rats injected intraperitoneally with 2.5% heat-denatured casein solution. Activity in the ascite fluid increased with time after the injection of casein, and reached a maximum at 24 h. The active component was concentrated with successive 35% ammonium sulfate precipitation and Activated Thiol-Sepharose 4B column chromatography from the ascite fluid of rats at 24 h after the injection of casein. No N-terminal amino acid of the protein corresponding to GPx was detected by automatic amino acid sequence analysis following separation with sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and transfer to a polyvinyl difluoride (PVDF) membrane. Following BrCN treatment of the protein, the N-terminal amino acid sequences of two 14 and 2.6 kDa peptide fragments were found to be S-G-T-I-Y-E-Y-G-A-L and K-I-H-D-I-R-W-N-F-E, respectively. The former and the latter fragments corresponded to sequences beginning at the 37th and 176th amino acid residues of rat extracellular GPx (eGPx), respectively. The exclusive presence of eGPx in the ascite fluid of rats elicited by casein was confirmed immunologically by ELISA, immuno-precipitation and Western blotting assays. No other GPx isozymes such as cytosolic GPx (cGPx), phospholipid hydroperoxide GPx (PHGPx) or intestinal GPx (iGPx) were detected. eGPx activity and protein were also detected in the pleuritic fluid of rats following injection of 2% carrageenan. These findings indicate that eGPx appears at various sites of acute inflammation in rats. This pattern is due to leakage from circulation as a result of the increased capillary permeability at inflammation sites elicited by chemotactic factors.

Modulation of C5a-Mediated Effector Functions of Human Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes by Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha and Granulocyte Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor

At the site of acute inflammation, leukocytes are confronted with multiple mediators which are expected to modulate each other with respect to cell responses to the individual ligand. In the present study, we compared the effects of the classical chemoattractants FMLP, PAF and LTB4, of the chemokine IL-8 and of TNFα, GM-CSF, IFN-γ and IL-1β on C5a-induced chemotaxis, degranulation, oxidative burst and expression of adhesion molecules of human neutrophils in vitro. Upon preincubation, TNFα as well as GM-CSF dose-dependently inhibited C5a-mediated chemotaxis, but augmented the release of elastase as well as respiratory burst activity. The effects of the two cytokines were accompanied by a downregulation of C5a receptors as determined by Scatchard analysis using ¹²⁵I-labeled C5a. Compared on a molar basis, TNFα was more effective than GM-CSF. C5a-induced expression of β₂-integrins was only moderately influenced by TNFα and GM-CSF. C5a itself diminished chemotaxis as well as degranulation and oxidative burst in response to a second dose of the same ligand (homologous desensitization), whereas heterologous desensitization by FMLP and IL-8 was restricted to C5a-induced degranulation or not observed (PAF, LTB4]. The cytokine effects are likely to be a consequence of altered C5a receptor expression as well as of postreceptor events. In concert with C5a, certain cytokines may shift neutrophil effector functions from migration to exocytosis, an essential step within the sequence of events in a coordinated inflammatory response.

Neutrophil priming by cytokines and vitamin D binding protein (Gc-globulin): impact on C5a-mediated chemotaxis, degranulation and respiratory burst

At the site of acute inflammation, leukocytes are confronted with multiple mediators which are expected to modulate each other with respect to cell responses to the individual ligand. Previous contact of neutrophils with pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α or GM-CSF, or with the vitamin D binding protein (Gc-globulin) leads to the alteration of either multiple or rather distinct C5a-mediated neutrophil functions. Gc-globulin, the transport protein for 25-(OH)-D 3, serves selectively as a cochemotactic factor for C5a/C5a desArg. In contrast, TNF-α and GM-CSF, previously shown to modulate FMLP-induced neutrophil responses, are able to reduce C5a-mediated neutrophil chemotaxis, but augment their degranulation and respiratory burst activity. Cytokine priming was shown to be accompanied by a down-regulation of C5a receptors (CD88) whereas vitamin D binding protein had no impact on the level of neutrophil C5a receptors. C5a itself diminishes chemotaxis as well as degranulation and oxidative burst in response to a second dose of the same ligand (homologous desensitization). A similar effect, termed heterologous desensitization, occurs, if cell responses to a given mediator (e.g. to C5a) are reduced or even abolished upon the activation of another receptor of the same G-protein coupled chemoattractant receptor subfamily (e.g. receptors for FMLP or IL-8). In concert with C5a, certain molecules may either augment chemotaxis or shift neutrophil effector functions from migration to exocytosis, an essential step within the sequence of events in a coordinated inflammatory response.

The integrin alpha9beta1 mediates adhesion to activated endothelial cells and transendothelial neutrophil migration through interaction with vascular cell adhesion molecule-1.

The integrin alpha9beta1 has been shown to be widely expressed on smooth muscle and epithelial cells, and to mediate adhesion to the extracellular matrix proteins osteopontin and tenascin-C. We have found that the peptide sequence this integrin recognizes in tenascin-C is highly homologous to the sequence recognized by the closely related integrin alpha4beta1, in the inducible endothelial ligand, vascular cell adhesion mole-cule-1 (VCAM-1). We therefore sought to determine whether alpha9beta1 also recognizes VCAM-1, and whether any such interaction would be biologically significant. In this report, we demonstrate that alpha9beta1 mediates stable cell adhesion to recombinant VCAM-1 and to VCAM-1 induced on human umbilical vein endothelial cells by tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Furthermore, we show that alpha9beta1 is highly and selectively expressed on neutrophils and is critical for neutrophil migration on VCAM-1 and tenascin-C. Finally, alpha9beta1 and alpha4 integrins contribute to neutrophil chemotaxis across activated endothelial monolayers. These observations suggest a possible role for alpha9beta1/VCAM-1 interactions in extravasation of neutrophils at sites of acute inflammation.

Evidence for bradykinin B2-receptors on cultured human decidua cells

Bradykinin is known to be present at sites of acute inflammation and to exert its potent inflammatory effects mainly via the bradykinin B2-receptor. Recently, bradykinin dependent processes have been described in cultured human decidual cells, so that bradykinin may expand the list of paracrine factors involved in labour induction. In this paper we present the results of in vitro studies giving evidence that these cells carry the bradykinin B2-receptor. By immunocytochemical methods the receptor protein was localized on decidual cells. Analysis of cellular extracts of cultured decidual cells by RT-PCR showed the presence of the specific mRNA coding for the bradykinin B2-receptor. Binding studies revealed a single, saturable and specific binding site for bradykinin of high affinity (Kd=0.85 nM, Bmax=436 fmol/mg protein). Competitive binding studies showed displacement of [3H]-bradykinin by HOE 140, but not by the ligands for the bradykinin B1-receptor, des-Arg10-kallidin and [Leu8]-des-Arg9-bradykinin. The results are consistent with the presence of the bradykinin B2-receptors.

Th1 but not Th2 cells are recruited by P- and E-selectin into sites of acute inflammation

Th1 but not Th2 cells are recruited by P- and E-selectin into sites of acute inflammation

Th1 but not Th2 cells are recruited by P- and E-selectin into sites of acute inflammation

Th1 but not Th2 cells are recruited by P- and E-selectin into sites of acute inflammation

Effects of dexamethasone and cyclosporin A on the accumulation of eosinophils in acute cutaneous inflammation in the guinea‐pig

1. Eosinophils are thought to play an important role in the pathophysiology of allergic diseases and pharmacological suppression of their recruitment is considered to be of therapeutic benefit. In the present study we have assessed and compared the effects of treatment with dexamethasone and cyclosporin A on the accumulation of 111In-labelled eosinophils and local oedema formation in sites of acute inflammation in guinea-pig skin. 2. When injected locally 150 min prior to i.d. administration of antigen in a passive cutaneous anaphylactic (PCA) reaction, dexamethasone (10(-9) to 3 x 10(-7) mol per site) dose-dependently inhibited oedema formation by up to 50%. Similarly, oedema formation induced by PAF and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), but not by zymosan-activated plasma (ZAP), was significantly inhibited by dexamethasone. In contrast, 111In-eosinophil accumulation measured in response to i.d. injection of PAF, LPS and ZAP or in the PCA reaction was not altered. 3. Systemic treatment with dexamethasone (4 mg kg-1, i.v., 150 min pretreatment period) inhibited both oedema formation and 111In-eosinophil accumulation induced by PAF, ZAP, LPS and in the PCA reaction. 4. The effects of i.d. injection of cyclohexamide (2 x 10(-7) mol per site) on 111In-eosinophil accumulation and oedema formation induced by PAF, ZAP or in a PCA reaction were evaluated in order to assess the dependency of these responses on protein synthesis. Cycloheximide had no effect on the responses measured. In contrast, 111In-eosinophil accumulation, but oedema formation, induced by LPS was inhibited by 30%. 5. Acute (10 mg kg-1, i.v., 15 min pretreatment) or prolonged (10 mg kg-1, s.c. daily for 3 days) systemic treatment with cyclosporin A had no effect on 111In-eosinophil accumulation or oedema formation induced by PAF, ZAP, LPS or in the PCA reaction. 6. In conclusion, we demonstrate preferential inhibitory effects of dexamethasone on 111In-eosinophil accumulation according to its site of administration. In addition we show that dexamethasone inhibits protein synthesis-independent acute inflammation in guinea-pig skin. Finally, our results do not support the concept that eosinophils are an important cellular site of action for the inhibitory effects of cyclosporin A in a guinea-pig model of allergic inflammation.

Regulation of cytokine gene expression by reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen intermediates.

Reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI), reactive nitrogen intermediates (RNI), and cytokines are frequent companions at sites of acute inflammation. Previous work has established a clear link between the production of cytokines and the subsequent generation of ROI and RNI. However, more recent data indicates that ROI and RNI not only serve as end-stage effector molecules of pathogen destruction and tissue injury, but also as initiators of acute inflammation. Specifically, ROI and RNI will upregulate cytokine gene expression since antioxidants inhibit interleukin 8 (IL-8) production and do not decrease production of other cytokines. Treatment with hydroxyl radical scavengers such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) will decrease the production of IL-8 in stimulated human whole blood, fibroblasts, type II epithelial cells, and hepatoma cells, but not other cytokines. Addition of exogenous ROI will increase IL-8 production in these same cells. Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase will decrease production of IL-8, whereas addition of nitric oxide (NO)-generating compounds will increase production of IL-8. The hydroxyl radical appears to be the final common pathway of cell activation for IL-8 synthesis, since DMSO will inhibit the NO-driven production of IL-8. Our data indicate that ROI and RNI can serve as intracellular second messengers to induce IL-8 gene expression.

Pharmacodynamics and enantioselective pharmacokinetics of carprofen in the cat

The pharmacodynamics and enantioselective pharmacokinetics of the arylpropionic acid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, carprofen, were investigated in cats after administration of the racemic mixture (rac-carprofen) at dose rates ranging from 0·7 to 4·0 mg kg −1 intravenously and subcutaneously. A low dose of rac-carprofen (0·7 mg kg −1) partially inhibited the rise in skin temperature at a site of acute inflammation but had no effect on the ex vivo synthesis of serum thromboxane (Tx) B 2. A higher dose (4·0 mg kg −1) inhibited oedematous swelling, although the response was statistically significant at only one time, and also reduced the ex vivo synthesis of serum TxB 2 for 12 hours after intravenous injection or 24 hours after subcutaneous injection. The main features of carprofen pharmacokinetics were a low distribution volume, a relatively long elimination half-life, the predominance of the R(−) enantiomer and a bioavailability (after subcutaneous dosing) of 100 per cent and 92 per cent, respectively, after doses of 0·7 and 4·0 mg kg −1. On the basis of these data, it is suggested that a dose of 4·0 mg kg −1 by both intravenous and subcutaneous routes should be evaluated in clinical subjects.

Expression of cell adhesion molecules in the fetal gut.

The cell adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 when expressed on endothelium are thought to be important in modulating lymphocyte movement in areas of inflammation through their ligands LFA-1 and VLA-4 on lymphocytes. They are also expressed by accessory cells and provide costimulatory signals for T cell activation.1 ELAM-1 is a cell adhesion molecule expressed by the endothelium at sites of acute inflammation and is significant in neutrophil migration to the site of injury.2,3 Cytokines like IL1, IFN-γ and TNFα upregulate or induce expression of these molecules.1,2 In intestinal inflammation such as Crohn’s disease or coeliac disease expression is increased on endothelium and accessory cells within the lymphoid tissues.4,5 In this study we examined the expression of ICAM-1, VCAM and ELAM-1 in human fetal intestine from 11 to 22 weeks old fetuses. We also studied used an organ culture model of intestinal inflammation6 to study the time course of adhesion molecule expression in an invitro fetal gut organ culture model.