[Interaction between neutrophils and endothelial cells following ischemia/reperfusion]

The adherence of activated neutrophils to endothelial cells during ischemia/reperfusion injury is mediated by inside-out signal transduction. Subsequently, outside-in signal transduction occurs following ligation of adhesion molecules with their ligands triggering respiratory bursts of neutrophils. In addition, neutrophil elastase enhances CC- and CXC-chemokine production by monocytes and macrophages. MCP-1, a CC-chemokine, enhances tissue factor production by macrophages and increases ICAM-1 expression on endothelial cells. Chemotaxis and respiratory bursts of neutrophils are augmented by CXC-chemokines. Furthermore, neutrophil elastase inactivates anticoagulants including antithrombin III, heparin cofactor II, and thrombomodulin, suggesting that neutrophil elastase aggravates microcirculatory disturbance after ischemia/reperfusion. Thus neutrophil elastase modulates the interation of neutrophils and endothelial cells during ischemia/reperfusion injury. Taken together with these observations, a therapeutic regimen with antibodies against adhesion molecules in combination with neutrophil elastase inhibitor and anticoagulants may attenuate ischemia/reperfusion injury.