Keratinocyte expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) correlated with infiltration of lymphocyte function associated antigen 1 (LFA-1) positive cells in evolving allergic contact dermatitis reactions.

Adhesion molecules are considered to have an important role in inflammatory reactions. We investigated the kinetics of ICAM-1 expression on keratinocytes and correlated this with the numbers of lymphocytes expressing LFA-1 in the dermis and epidermis of evolving allergic contact dermatitis reactions. In nickel-sensitive individuals, after application of a nickel patch, increased expression of ICAM-1 on keratinocytes was observed as early as 3 h and reached a maximum at 48 h. The number of lymphocytes expressing LFA-1 in the dermis and epidermis was greatest at 48 h. The LFA-1 cells were observed to be in close proximity to keratinocytes expressing ICAM-1, thus supporting the hypothesis that T-lymphocytes attach to keratinocytes via LFA-1/ICAM-1 molecules.