Objective   To study the expressions of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1)

vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and E-selectin on the aorta of artherosclerosis and explore the relationship between these molecules and artherosclerosis (AS).    Methods   Human arterial specimens were collected from 18 cadavers

including 5 with normal arterial tunica intima (control) and 13 with pathologically identified AS (AS group). Analysis were carried out in consecutive sections by immunohistochemical staining for ICAM-1

VCAM-1 and E-selectin.    Results   ICAM-1

VCAM-1 and E-selectin positive cells were mainly located in the tunica intima and adventitia of AS aorta. More positive cells were observed obviously in AS group than in control (P0.01). There was a decrease in the intensity of positive staining of the 3 proteins when AS had happened (P0.01). The intensity of ICAM-1 expression was positively correlated with those of VCAM-1 and E-selectin (r=0.611

r=0.718

P0.01). The changes of VCAM-1 intensity had a positive correlation with that of E-selectin (r=0.728

P0.01).    Conclusion   Adhesion molecules

ICAM-1

VCAM-1 and E-selectin are involved in the process of AS.