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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
Intravital Microscopy of Leukocyte-endothelial and Platelet-leukocyte Interactions in Mesenterial Veins in Mice
Published on: August 13, 2015
Interferon-α increases monocyte migration via platelet-monocyte interaction in murine intestinal microvessels
M Higashiyama1, R Hokari, C Kurihara
1Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Saitama, Japan.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of interferon (IFN)-α on recruitment of platelets and monocytes within the murine small intestinal venular endothelium. Monocytes were isolated from bone marrow of C57B6 mice. Platelets were collected from murine blood. Rolling and adhesion to submucosal microvessels in the small intestine were examined under an intravital fluorescence microscope after injection of fluorescein-labelled monocytes or platelets. In some mice, IFN-α (5×10(5) U/kg) was administered intraperitoneally. After treatment with an antibody against P-selectin, changes in monocyte and platelet migration were also investigated. Changes in monocyte migration under the condition of thrombocytopenia were also investigated. Platelets and monocytes interacted with murine intestinal microvessels, although only few platelets and monocytes showed migration behaviour. Intraperitoneal injection of IFN-α enhanced the migration of both platelets and monocytes in the intestinal microvessels. Pretreatment with anti-P-selectin attenuated the increase in migration of platelets and monocytes induced by administration of IFN-α. Thrombocytopenia decreased the rolling ratio of monocytes, suggesting that the effect of IFN-α on migration was P-selectin-dependent, derived from both the endothelium of microvessels and platelets. The results of this study suggest that IFN-α acts as a potent proinflammatory agent via its stimulatory effect on the endothelium-platelet-monocyte interaction in intestinal microvessels by a P-selectin-dependent mechanism.
Insights
Interferon-alpha (IFN-α) enhances platelet and monocyte migration in mouse intestines. This effect is P-selectin dependent, suggesting IFN-α acts as a proinflammatory agent.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Platelets and monocytes play roles in inflammation.
- Interferon-alpha (IFN-α) is known to modulate immune responses.
- The specific role of IFN-α in intestinal microvascular interactions requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of interferon-alpha (IFN-α) on platelet and monocyte recruitment in murine small intestinal venular endothelium.
- To elucidate the mechanism underlying IFN-α-induced cell migration, focusing on P-selectin involvement.
Main Methods:
- Intravital fluorescence microscopy was used to observe the rolling and adhesion of labeled monocytes and platelets in mouse small intestinal microvessels.
- IFN-α was administered intraperitoneally, and its effects were assessed with and without anti-P-selectin antibody treatment.
- Thrombocytopenia was induced to study its impact on monocyte migration.
Main Results:
- IFN-α administration significantly enhanced the migration of both platelets and monocytes in intestinal microvessels.
- Pretreatment with an anti-P-selectin antibody attenuated the IFN-α-induced increase in cell migration.
- Thrombocytopenia reduced monocyte rolling, indicating a P-selectin-dependent mechanism.
Conclusions:
- IFN-α acts as a proinflammatory agent by enhancing endothelium-platelet-monocyte interactions in intestinal microvessels.
- The observed effects are mediated through a P-selectin-dependent pathway involving both microvessel endothelium and platelets.
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