In order to assess the role of adhesion molecules in sarcoid lesions, we examined the expression of integrin families and extracellular matrix proteins by immunohistochemical techniques in sarcoid lymph nodes. Epithelioid cells exhibited intensive expression of ICAM-1, the alpha 5 and the beta 2 molecules. Lymphocytes exhibited intensive expression of ICAM-1, the alpha 4, the alpha 5 and beta 2 molecules. Laminin and type IV collagen were detected at basement membranes in vessels. Fibronectin was distributed within granulomas with a concentric pattern and around granulomas with a fibrillar pattern. Its distribution was well correspondence with the alpha 5 expression. These data suggest that integrin families might play an important role in granuloma formation and migration of lymphocytes into inflamed sarcoid lesions.