ISSN:
1432-0878
Keywords:
Key words: PECAM-1 (platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1)
;
Endothelium
;
HUVEC (human umbilical vein endothelial cells)
;
Myocardium
;
Ultrastructure
;
Human
;
Rabbit
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract. The subcellular localization of PECAM-1 in endothelial cells was examined by using advanced morphological techniques, such as confocal scanning microscopy and immunolabeling procedures for electron microscopy. The localization of PECAM-1 was studied immunohistochemically with five specific monoclonal antibodies and one polyclonal antibody (all anti-human) in human and rabbit myocardium and in isolated endothelial cells. In vivo, PECAM-1 was localized uniformly on the plasma membrane of all vascular endothelial cells, predominantly on the luminal side of vessels. No specific increase in labeling was found at sites of cell-to-cell contact. In vitro, primary isolated cells (human umbilical vein endothelial cells) showed continuous labeling of the entire cell membrane. Cells of higher passages were labeled in a manner similar to freshly isolated cells. Our findings refute the commonly accepted hypothesis that PECAM-1 is localized only at cell-to-cell contacts. Further, we have not been able to confirm the hypothesis regarding the important mechanical role of PECAM-1 in stabilizing the endothelial monolayer. Since PECAM-1 is also expressed on platelets and is known to bind to itself, the way in which PECAM-1-positive endothelial cells are protected against binding of PECAM-1-positive platelets remains unclear. In view of these findings, the role of PECAM-1 in the leukocyte migration cascade needs to be re-evaluated.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s004410050968
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