Expression of the adhesion molecule ICAM-1 on alveolar macrophages and in serum in extrinsic allergic alveolitis

• Published in: Respiration Vol. 60; no. 4; p. 221
• Main Authors: Pforte, A, Schiessler, A, Gais, P, von Kress, S, Beer, B, Riethmüller, G, Ziegler-Heitbrock, H W
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland 1993
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic - immunology; Antigens, CD - analysis; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid - cytology; Cell Adhesion Molecules - analysis; Female; Humans; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1; Macrophages, Alveolar - immunology; Male; Middle Aged
• ISSN: 0025-7931
• DOI: 10.1159/000196203

ICAM-1 expression was studied on alveolar macrophages (AM) in extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA) using immunocytochemistry and cytometry. Compared to control donors, EAA patients had higher percentages of ICAM-1+ AM (75% vs. 30%) and the antigen density was more than sixfold higher (673 vs. 103 channels). Levels of soluble serum ICAM-1 were found increased in EAA patients with an average of 866.2 +/- 300 ng/ml versus 394.8 +/- 110 ng/ml in controls. These data are consistent with the concept that antigen contact upregulates ICAM-1 expression on AM in EAA followed by shedding and an increase in serum sICAM-1.