Abstract:

Objective To estimate the significance of E-selectin and P-selectin in nodular vasculitis. Methods The EnVision two-step method was used to measure the expression of E-selectin and P-selectin in skin samples from the lesions of 70 patients with nodular vasculitis and normal skin of 24 human controls. The differences between the patients and controls in the expression of E-selectin and P-selectin and relationship between their expression levels in nodular vasculitis lesions were assessed. Results The expression of E-selectin was detected in all the specimens of nodular vasculitis, and most of the expression level was moderately intensive （++）; while E-selectin was absent in all of the control specimens. All the specimens of nodular vasculitis stained postivive for P-selectin, which was strongly （+++） expressed in most of the specimens; while only 2 control specimens stained weakly positive for P-selectin. A significant difference was observed in the expression of E-selectin and P-selectin between the specimens from the patients and controls （both P < 0.01）, but not among specimens from patients at different ages and between specimens from female and male patients （all P > 0.05）. In addition, the expression of E-selectin and P-selectin was well correlated with each other in lesions of nodular vasculitis （P < 0.01）. Conclusions The expression of E-selectin and P-selectin is correlated with each other in lesions of acute nodular vasculitis, and is associated with the development of nodular vasculitis.

Key words: immunohistochemistry