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Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Systematic Analysis of In Vitro Cell Rolling Using a Multi-well Plate Microfluidic System
Published on: October 17, 2013
Low molecular weight heparin inhibits tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced leukocyte rolling
M X Wan1, X W Zhang, L Törkvist
1Department of Surgery, Malmö University Hospital, Lund University, Sweden.
Objective:
Heparins may exert several anti-inflammatory actions. This study investigated the impact of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) on tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-provoked leukocyte rolling, adhesion and extravascular accumulation.
Materials And Methods:
Leukocyte-endothelium interactions and tissue accumulation of leukocytes were induced by TNF-alpha in Balb/c mice and analyzed by the use of intravital microscopy in the mouse cremaster muscle microcirculation.
Results:
We observed that administration of 5000 units/kg of LMWH, but not 50 and 500 units/kg, markedly reduced TNF-alpha-induced leukocyte rolling, adhesion and tissue infiltration. Notably, when LMWH was given after TNF-alpha only leukocyte rolling was reduced and no effect was observed on firm adhesion of leukocytes.
Conclusions:
Taken together, these findings indicate that LMWH inhibits TNF-alpha-induced leukocyte accumulation by inhibiting the rolling adhesive interaction which may help explain the anti-inflammatory effects of LMWH.
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