Fas receptor up-regulation and membrane localization concurrent with apoptosis in idiopathic esophageal ulceration: toward a better understanding of esophageal injury in AIDS.

Abstract

Activation of the Fas-mediated apoptotic pathway in the etiology of idiopathic esophageal ulcerations (IEUs) was investigated. Constitutive expression of Fas ligand (Fas L) was found in the basal layer of the normal esophageal mucosa and in IEUs and cytomegalovirus ulcerations. In addition to an altered cytokine environment, there was significant up-regulation of Fas antigen mRNA and membrane localization of the receptor in IEU specimens. Concomitant increase in the basic components of Fas machinery, together with elevated mucosal apoptosis, strongly suggests the potential role of the Fas signaling pathway in the onset of tissue destruction associated with IEUs.