ICAM-1, E-SELECTIN, AND TNF-ALPHA EXPRESSION IN LABIAL SALIVARY-GLANDS OF PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID VASCULITIS

Objective-To assess the expression of ICAM1, VCAM1, E-selectin, CD44, and TNF alpha in labial salivary glands of patients with rheumatoid va sculitis. Methods-Labial salivary glands from six patients with rheuma toid vasculitis before and after treatment, six aged matched rheumatoi d arthritis patients without clinical evidence of rheumatoid vasculiti s, 10 patients with primary Sjogren syndrome, 10 patients with rheumat oid arthritis and proven secondary Sjogren syndrome, and sin controls were tested with specific antibodies. Results-ICAM1, E-selectin, and T NF alpha were significantly expressed in endothelial cells and perivas cular cellular infiltrate only in rheumatoid vasculitis before treatme nt. Conclusions-The expression of ICAM1, E-selectin, and TNF alpha all ows an assessment of the activity of the vasculitic process in rheumat oid vasculitis. Labial salivary gland biopsy findings in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and visceral vasculitis without purpura or neuro pathy (that is, mesenteric, coronary, or cerebral vasculitis) would be of interest and are examples where labial salivary gland tissue is mo re accessible than the affected tissue.