Expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, alpha4-integrin and L-selectin during inner ear immunity reaction.

The expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), alpha4-integrin and L-selectin was dynamically observed using an immunohistochemical approach during labyrinthitis induced by inoculation of keyhole limpet hemocyanin into the scala tympani of animals that had been systemically sensitized to it. At the same time, we used ELISA to monitor interleukin-1(IL-1) in the peripheral blood of these animals. The expression of alpha4-integrin and L-selectin on the surface of leukocytes in peripheral blood was examined by flow cytometry. VCAM-1 was found on the endothelial surface of the spiral modiolar vein (SMV) and its collecting venules (CV) at 24 h post-challenge; the VCAM-1 level reached a maximum on day 2, which was maintained until 1 week post-challenge, and then declined gradually. Alpha4-integrin was found on the surface of leukocytes, mainly monocytes and lymphocytes, that had infiltrated the SMV, CV, cochlear nerve and perilymph by 24 h post-challenge; the alpha4-integrin level reached a maximum on day 2 and then decreased rapidly. At 1 week post-challenge, no significant expression of alpha4-integrin was seen. Expression of alpha4-integrin and L-selectin was also observed on leukocytes in peripheral blood. No L-selectin was observed on the surface of leukocytes during inner ear inflammation. The expression of L-selectin on the surface of leukocytes in the peripheral blood appeared to be downregulated during inflammation. The concentrations of IL-1 in the peripheral blood increased commensurately during inner ear inflammation. These results further elucidate the role of adhesion molecules during inner ear immune responses. The increased expression of VCAM-1 on SMV and CV was correlated with the concentration of IL-1 in peripheral blood during inner ear inflammation.