Adhesion molecule detection in a case of early cerebral malaria: Immunohistochemical and electron microscopic findings

A case of early cerebral malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum was studie d. P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 (PL1) was detected along the inner surf ace of the infected red blood cells (IRBCs), which ordinarily are nor posit ive for PL1 immunohistochemically, suggesting PL1 being the product of para site. The electron microscopic finding showed granular deposits in the corr esponding lesion, consistent with PLI deposition, in the IRBCs firmly attac hed to the endothelium of small cerebral vessels. Most of the IRBCs were ro und shaped as though they lost their capacity to change shape. The therapeu tic strategy was expected against adhesion molecules such as PL1 and for ma intaining or restoring the metamorphic capacity of IRBCs. Copyright (C) 200 0 by W.B. Saunders Company.