Serum L-selectin and P-selectin levels in lymphomas

The migration of normal and malignant lymphoid cells is governed by specifi c adhesion molecules. Selectins comprise a family of adhesion receptors exp ressed by leukocytes, platelets and endothelial cells. In this study, the s erum levels of soluble L-selectin and P-selectin were measured in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and Hodgkins disease and found to be significan tly elevated in both patient groups compared to healthy controls. This resu lt provides evidence that alterations in the expression and function of adh esion molecules may play an important role in the progression of lymphomas. Further studies are awaited to establish the exact roles of these adhesion molecules in distinct patterns of growth and spread of lymphomas.