Immunohistochemical and computer-imaging analysis techniques were used to detect the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and vascular adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) in the kidney of 25 patients with lupus nephritis (LN) type IV and in 15 patients with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) type I. Results showed that ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expressions were increased significantly in the kidneys of patients with MPGN and LN and that ICAM-1 in the glomeruli of LN patients correlated well with glomerular endothelial cell proliferation. ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 may well take a role in the pathogenesis of LN and MPGN.