ADHESION MOLECULES IN INTESTINAL SCHISTOSOMA-MANSONI INFECTION

Adhesion molecules constitute essential elements in inflammation, medi ating various cellular interactions. We investigated the expression of adhesion molecules mediating cell-cell [intercellular adhesion molecu le-1 (ICAM-1) and lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1)] an d cell-matrix interactions [very late antigen-4 (VLA-4), VLA-6, and sy ndecan-1] in intestinal granulomas of mice infected with the parasite Schistosoma mansoni. Up-regulation of ICAM-1, LFA-1, and VLA-4 was see n in ileal and colonic granulomas, at both the acute (8 weeks postinfe ction) and the chronic stage (13-16 weeks postinfection). Up-regulatio n of VLA-6 was absent in all intestinal granulomas. Syndecan-1 immunor eactive (antigen-driven) B-lymphocytes were seen in the proximity ol e gg-antigen-laden macrophages in the inner part of ileal and colonic gr anulomas, although B-cells are considered to be absent in ileal granul omas. Estimation of intestinal granuloma volumes demonstrated the lack of down-modulation observed in ileal granulomas. From our results we infer that adhesion molecules constitute important elements in schisto somal intestinal granuloma formation. Organ-related differences betwee n hepatic and intestinal granulomas exist (e.g., granuloma volume), bu t these differences are not morphologically reflected in a differentia l expression of the adhesion molecules ICAM-1. LFA-1, and VLA-4. Synde can-1 immunoreactive B-lymphocytes also appear to be involved in ileal granuloma formation.