E‐selectin expression in salivary endothelial cells and sera from patients with systemic sclerosis

Abstract
Objective. To assess endothelial cell activation in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Methods. Concomitant study of salivary gland biopsy tissues and sera for expression of E-selectin and its potent activator tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), using immunostaining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent essay. Results. E-selectin was overexpressed in SSc patients, but not in controls. TNFα was detected in mast cells. Conclusion. Mast cell–derived TNFα may contribute to endothelial cell activation in SSc.