In addition, RT-PCR and western blotting proved that expression of both mRNA and protein of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in TAO group was significantly increased and obviously decreased after administration of cilostazol.
Immunohistochemical light and electron microscopical analysis of surgical biopsies obtained from femoral and iliac arteries of patients with thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) were performed to investigate the presence of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and expression of the endothelial cell adhesion molecules intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and E-selectin.