Inhibition of dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice by intracolonically administered antibodies against adhesion molecules (endothelial leucocyte adhesion molecule-1 (ELAM-1) or intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1))

We examined the effect of intracolonic administration of anti-adhesion mole cule antibodies on DSS-induced colitis in mice. Immunohistochemical stainin g in mice with colitis showed increased expression of ELAM-1 and ICAM-1 on endothelial cells of vessels in the lamina propria and submucosa at sites o f inflamed lesions. Intracolonic administration of anti-ELAM-1 or anti-ICAM -1 antibody decreased bloody stools, anaemia, and histologically evident da mage, as well as myeloperoxidase activity and IL-1 beta content. We conclud ed that adhesion molecule expression is important in the development of DSS -induced colitis in mice and that intracolonic administration of anti-adhes ion molecule antibodies, especially anti-ELAM-1 antibody, effectively inhib its the colonic inflammation. Intracolonic administration of anti-adhesion molecule antibodies may show therapeutic promise in ulcerative colitis.