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Human leucocyte rheology and tissue ischaemia
G Ciuffetti1, M Mercuri, M T Rizzo
12nd Department of Internal Medicine, University of Perugia, Italy.
European Journal of Clinical Investigation
|June 1, 1989
Summary
Leukocyte rheology, or white blood cell flow, is impaired in early ischemia. Monocyte filterability increased in peripheral vascular disease patients, while granulocyte filterability decreased in stable angina patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Hematology
- Ischemia Research
Background:
- White blood cells are implicated in tissue ischemia development.
- Limited research exists on leukocyte rheology in early ischemia stages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate leukocyte rheology in patients with early-stage peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and stable angina pectoris (SAP).
- To determine if white blood cell subpopulations exhibit altered flow properties during ischemic conditions.
Main Methods:
- Leukocytes were isolated into granulocyte, lymphocyte, and monocyte subpopulations from PVD and SAP patients and controls.
- Blood samples were analyzed before and after exercise challenges (treadmill for PVD, cycle ergometer for SAP).
- Subpopulations were filtered through 5-micron pore filters to assess filterability.
Main Results:
- Monocyte filterability significantly increased in PVD patients experiencing calf pain compared to controls (P < 0.01).
- Granulocyte filterability was impaired in SAP patients with ST depression compared to controls (P < 0.04).
Conclusions:
- Leukocyte rheology appears to be impaired in the earliest stages of ischemia.
- Specific white blood cell subpopulations show altered rheological properties in response to ischemic stress in PVD and SAP.