Examination of CD11B/C, CD54 and CD62 expression on cells in trypsin-triggered emphysema model

We studied the CD11b/c, CD54, CD62 expression on BAL (bronco-alveolar lavage) cells of rats by flow cytometry in a trypsin-triggered emphysema model. We made BAL sampling two and a half hour after trypsin infusion, in early inflammatory phase. Rats were divided into three groups: 1. negative controls, 2. saline-treated, 3. trypsin-infused rats. We found significantly (p < 0.05) increased number of neutrophil granulocytes in BAL of trypsin-treated group, comparing with controls. By flow cytometry in trypsin-treated group: 1). We found a significantly higher expression of CD54 on BAL macrophages (p < 0.05) 2). There was a lower, not significant CD11b/c expression on neutrophils and on macrophages in BAL, comparing with other groups. 3). A low, but not significant CD62 expression could be detected on neutrophils and on lymphocytes in BAL. We conclude: 1). Two and a half hour after trypsin infusion, macrophages are strongly activated, and play an important role in the neutrophil transendothelial migration in the early inflammatory phase of this model. 2). Neutrophils are high in number in BAL, but they are hardly activated in this early phase. 3). After trypsin infusion having a lower CD62 expression, lymphocytes seem to be involved as well.