Role of leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesion molecules in renal inflammation: in vitro and in vivo studies.

An increasing body of evidence suggests that endothelial cells as well as parenchymal cells within the kidney express multiple cytokine-inducible leukocyte adhesion molecules. This paper reviews evidence from our own laboratory as well as others on the in vitro induction and function of adhesion molecules in the kidney. We review current data from the literature on the possible role of endothelial cell adhesion molecules in mediating leukocyte infiltration and renal injury in experimental and human transplant rejection and glomerulonephritis. These early studies suggest that leukocyte-endothelial adhesive interactions result in a complex cascade of biological and pathological processes leading to renal injury. Further analysis of such interactions in the kidney will elucidate their specific roles.