In situ hybridization analysis of ICAM-1 (CD54) mRNA on conjunctival epithelium during allergic inflammation

• Published in: Clinical and experimental allergy Vol. 27; no. 7; pp. 737 - 743
• Main Authors: BAGNASCO, M., PESCE, G., FIORINO, N., RICCIO, A. M., CIPRANDI, G., BUSCAGLIA, S., CANONICA, G. W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.07.1997; Blackwell
• Subjects: 3T3 Cells; adhesion molecules; Adult; Allergic diseases; Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Cell Line; conjunctiva; Conjunctiva - immunology; Conjunctivitis, Allergic - immunology; epithelial cells; Epithelium - immunology; Female; Humans; ICAM-1; Immunopathology; In Situ Hybridization; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 - biosynthesis; Male; Medical sciences; Mice; Middle Aged; Nasal Cavity - immunology; ocular allergy; Other localizations; RNA, Messenger - analysis; Human; Immunopathology; Allergy; Molecular hybridization; Immunoglobulins; Intercellular adhesion molecule 1; In situ; Cell adhesion molecule; Inflammation; Conjunctiva disease; Conjunctivitis; Conjunctiva; Eye disease; Messenger RNA; Genetics; Epithelial cell; Molecular biology
• ISSN: 0954-7894; 1365-2222
• DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2222.1997.1220799.x

Summary Background The intercellular adhesion molecule ICAM‐1 has been detected by immunohistochemical methods on epithelial cells of the conjunctiva and nose during allergic inflammation. Objective The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether ICAM‐1 expression on conjunctival epithelium derives from endogenous synthesis or is merely due to passive uptake of soluble ICAM‐1 released from inflammatory cells. Methods In situ hybridization was performed using a 3’end dygoxygenin‐labelled specific DNA oligonucleotide probe on fixed conjunctival smears from allergic subjects challenged with, or naturally exposed to the allergen, and from healthy subjects. Immunocytochemistry for ICAM‐1 was performed by alkaline phosphatase antialkaline phosphatase. Results Results In allergic patients, both naturally exposed to the allergen and after specific challenge, a clear hybridization pattern on epithelial cells was apparent. Out of allergen exposure, some symptomfree pollinosic subjects, as well as a few healthy volunteers showed mild ICAM‐1 mRNA cytoplasmic staining in the absence of immunohistochemically detectable ICAM‐1. This finding may explain the very early appearance of ICAM‐1 on conjunctival epithelium following specific challenge in allergic individuals. Conclusions These results indicate that the presence of ICAM‐1 on conjunctival epithelium during allergic inflammation derives from endogenous synthesis and not from uptake of soluble ICAM‐l.