We have cloned the cDNA encoding rat P-selectin (Psel) and have examined the regulation of Psel expression in vivo. Sequence analysis of the complete Psel cDNA demonstrated significant nucleotide and amino-acid identity with human and mouse Psel. Similar to mouse Psel, the rat sequence lacks the equivalent of human complement regulatory protein-like repeat 2 (CR2). Seven potential N-linked glycosylation sites are conserved between the three species, suggesting that carbohydrate modification may play an important role in Psel function. To examine expression of Psel in vivo, levels of Psel mRNA were examined in several different tissues after systemic administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Psel mRNA was undetectable in tissues of vehicle-treated animals. By 3 after LPS administration, Psel mRNA levels were elevated in all tissues examined, the highest levels being seen in the lung. Significant increases in Psel mRNA were also seen in the heart, thymus, spleen and kidney. By 24 h after LPS, mRNA levels for Psel remained elevated in the lung, heart, kidney, thymus and small intestine. Psel mRNA was not detectable in total RNA isolated from purified rat platelets, suggesting that the increased levels of Psel mRNA were the result of upregulation of endothelial gene expression. In addition, only minimal levels of platelet factor 4 mRNA (PF4), used as a platelet-specific marker, were observed in the tissues studied. These data demonstrate that part of the response to acute inflammation in vivo includes the rapid increase in endothelial Psel expression.