The role of cell adhesion molecules in the inflammed Appendix vermiformis - Pathophysiological and diagnostic aspects

Download Area 1 | 2 | 3

The diagnosis of appendicitis, especially in borderline cases, is often difficult and discrepancies between clinical and histological data are not uncommon. In this context the literature yields a rate of 15-33% of histological normal appendices after clinical diagnosis of appendicitis. In the present study in 61 appendectomy specimens we have analysed the expression of the cell adhesion molecules ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and E-selectin in endothelial and mesothelial cells as a possible diagnostic tool. In different stages of appendicitis we demonstrated an early expression of E-selectin and ICAM-1 in endothelial cells, followed by VCAM-1.