Background: Cadherins are a supergene family of structurally related transmembrane glycoprotein. V-cadherin was a subclass of cadherin which expressed on endothelial cell as an endothelial cell cell adhesion molecule. The role of V-cadherin is still unclear in inflarnmation and immunologic responses. Objective : Our purpose was to demonstrate the expression and the regulation of V-cadherin expression on human dermal microvascular endothelial cells(HDMEC) by biological response modifier(BRM). Methods : The cell surface expression of V-cadherin on HDMEC that was unstimulated or pretreated with IL-1, TNF, IFN-, and PMA was evaluated by immunofluorescence flow cytometry and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results : 1. V-cadherin was constitutively expressed on unstimulated HDMEC. 2. Maximal expression of V-cadherin was observed at 16 hrs after stimulation with IL-1, at 6 hrs after stimulation with TNF and at 24 hrs after stimulation with IFN- on HDMEC. 3. V-cadherin expression on HDMEC was increased after stimulation with IL-1 or PMA. Conclusion : V-cadherin was constitutively expressed on HDMEC, and V-cadherin expression can be regulated by BRM. These results suggest V-cadherin may contribute to inflammation. (Korean J Dermatol 1997;35(5): 924-930)