To examine the de novo synthesis and cellular distribution of the E-selectin adhesion molecule in synovial tissues obtained from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Immunohistochemistry techniques combined with in situ hybridization were used to examine RA synovium.
There were numerous endothelial cells positive for E-selectin and E-selectin messenger RNA in the RA synovial membranes. Moreover, E-selectin expression appeared to correlate with inflammatory activity.
The strong vascular expression of E-selectin indicates an activation of endothelial cells in the recruitment of cells associated with the chronic inflammation of RA.