Summary
Diabetes mellitus is associated with increased prevalence of endothelial cell dysfunction
and vascular diseases. Mechanisms leading to alterations in endothelial cell function
are poorly understood. We report here that hyperglycaemia results in the expression
of endothelial adhesion molecules involved in leukocyte adhesion and extravasation.
Incubation of human umbilical cord endothelial cells (HUVEC) with 25 mM glucose induced
the expression of P-selectin. This effect was reversed by the addition of 1 nM insulin.
Moreover, increased ICAM-1 expression was observed upon HUVEC incubation with 25 mM
glucose. Increased adhesion of U937 cells (a monocytic cell line) to endothelial cells
cultured with 25 mM glucose was observed. High glucose-induced monocytes cell adhesion
was inhibited by an anti-P-selectin monoclonal antibody (LYP20). These results show
that high glucose concentration activates endothelial cells leading to monocytes adhesion
providing further evidence that hyperglycaemia might be implicated in vessel wall
lesions contributing to diabetic vascular disease.
Present address: Dr. M. D. Puente Navazo, Centre Pluridisciplinaire d’Oncologie, ISREC,
Epalinges, Switzerland
Keywords
Endothelial cells - P-selectin - hyperglycaemia