OBJECTIVE: To examine the de novo synthesis and cellular distribution of the E-selectin adhesion molecule in synovial tissues obtained from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Immunohistochemistry techniques combined with in situ hybridization were used to examine RA synovium. RESULTS: There were numerous endothelial cells positive for E-selectin and E-selectin messenger RNA in the RA synovial membranes. Moreover, E-selectin expression appeared to correlate with inflammatory activity. CONCLUSION: The strong vascular expression of E-selectin indicates an activation of endothelial cells in the recruitment of cells associated with the chronic inflammation of RA.