SERUM ELAM-1 IS INCREASED IN VASCULITIS, SCLERODERMA, AND SYSTEMIC LUPUS-ERYTHEMATOSUS

Objective. To investigate the state of endothelial cell activation in vasculitis, scleroderma, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Metho ds. We used a sandwich ELISA to quantitate a soluble form of endotheli al leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (sELAM) in serum. Results. sELAM was detected in serum from healthy individuals (mean 0.92 ng/ml). Levels w ere significantly higher in patients with giant cell arteritis (mean 2 .04 ng/ml), polyarteritis nodosa (mean 2.08 ng/ml), scleroderma (mean 2.27 ng/ml), and SLE (mean 3.93 ng/ml). Elevated values were present i n patients with both active and inactive disease. sELAM levels of > 3 ng/ml identified most patients with recent onset or active disease. Co nclusion. Our findings may reflect a low degree of endothelial cell ac tivation in healthy persons that is increased in inflammatory diseases involving blood vessels. Elevated serum sELAM levels may reflect ongo ing inflammatory processes in these diseases.