Soluble E-selectin, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 levels in systemic and coronary circulation in patients with variant angina

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess whether the plasma levels of soluble adhesion molecules including E-selectin, . . intercellular adhesion molecule-1 ICAM-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 VCAM-1 are elevated in patients with variant angina and whether they are released in the coronary circulation. Methods: Antecubital venous plasma samples were collected from 33 patients . with variant angina, 22 patients with stable effort angina and 20 control subjects. Samples were also collected from the aortic root AO . and the coronary sinus CS in 18 patients with variant angina before and after left coronary spasm induced by intracoronary injection of acetylcholine. The soluble adhesion molecules were assayed by enzyme immunoassay. Results: Antecubital venous plasma soluble . .