EXPRESSION OF E-SELECTIN, SIALYL-LEWIS-X, AND MACROPHAGE INFLAMMATORYPROTEIN-1-ALPHA BY COLONIC EPITHELIAL-CELLS IN ULCERATIVE-COLITIS

The pathogenic significance of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) in ulcer ative colitis (UC) is largely unknown. Colonic expression of E-selecti n, sialyl Lewis X (sLe(x)), and macrophage inflammatory protein-1x (MI P-1 alpha) as well as serum concentrations of E-selectin and MIP-1 alp ha in UC were studied. Thirty patients with UC, 10 patients with irrit able bowel syndrome, and 10 healthy subjects were included. Colonic bi opsies were stained immunohistochemically, and blood concentrations we re measured with an ELISA technique. Soluble E-selectin did not correl ate with diagnosis or disease activity. MIP-1 alpha was below the dete ction limit. Epithelial cells expressed all three molecules, both on s urface membranes and intracellularly. sLe(x) staining was weaker (P = 0.0002) and MIP-1 alpha staining stronger (P = 0.014) in UC patients t han in controls. Leukocyte MIP-alpha staining correlated with diagnosi s (P = 0.021), sLe(x) staining (P = 0.023); and colonoscopy (P = 0.018 ). It is shown that E-selectin, sLe(x), and MIP-1 alpha ale synthesize d and expressed by epithelial cells, indicating that CAMs are not only involved in leukocyte extravasation and migration, but also in the in teraction between leukocytes and colonic epithelium. This knowledge mi ght contribute to the development of improved treatments in UC.