Induction of adhesion molecule expression on blood vessels and keratinocytes in recurrent oral ulceration

Adhesion molecules are known to play a crucial role in the recruitment of i nflammatory cells to sites of inflammation. In this study endothelial cell and keratinocyte adhesion molecule expression in recurrent oral ulcers (ROU ) (n=13) was compared with that found in normal oral mucosa (NOM) (n=11) an d experimentally induced ulcers (EIU) (n=5) by using immunohistochemistry. Significantly greater expression of both vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and E-selectin was demonstrated on vasculature in ROU compared wit h that found in both NOM and EIU. Induction of keratinocyte intercellular a dhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) was also a prominent feature of ROU. The expres sion of VCAM-1 and E-selectin on blood vessels in ROU is likely to be impor tant in the accumulation of lymphocytes that characterise early aphthous le sions. The induction of keratinocyte ICAM-1 may facilitate lymphocyte invas ion of the epithelium in ROU, which may ultimately result in ulcer formatio n.