Endothelin-1 modulates the expression of adhesion molecules on fibroblast-like synovial cells (FLS)

Endothelin-1 is known to possess various biological properties. In the present study we have investigated the effects of Endothelin-1 (Et-1) on the expression of adhesion molecules ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and CD-44 by fibroblast-like synoviocytes. Cultured fibroblast-like synoviocytes were treated with Et-1 in the absence or presence of C1306, a specific endothelin-A-receptor antagonist. Cell surface expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and CD-44 was determined by immunofluorescence studies, Cyto-ELISA and FACS-analysis. ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and CD-44 were constitutively expressed on cultured FLS. After incubation with Et-1 the expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and CD-44 increased. The level of expression of adhesion …