E-SELECTIN EXPRESSION IN SALIVARY ENDOTHELIAL-CELLS AND SERA FROM PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC-SCLEROSIS - ROLE OF RESIDENT MAST CELL-DERIVED TUMOR-NECROSIS-FACTOR-ALPHA

Objective. To assess endothelial cell activation in patients with syst emic sclerosis (SSc). Methods, Concomitant study of salivary gland bio psy tissues and sera for expression of E-selectin and its potent activ ator tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), using immunostaining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent essay, Results, E-selectin was overexpres sed in SSc patients, but not in controls, TNF alpha was detected in ma st cells, Conclusion. Mast cell-derived TNF alpha may contribute to en dothelial cell activation in SSc.