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Leukocyte endothelium adhesion and microvascular hemodynamics
H H Lipowsky1, S D House, J C Firrell
1Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Leukocyte adhesion to blood vessel walls is influenced by microvascular hemodynamics and white blood cell (WBC) deformability. These factors determine where WBCs attach in the microcirculation, impacting inflammatory responses.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Microcirculation Research
Background:
- Leukocyte adhesion to the endothelium is a critical process in microvascular inflammation.
- Previous hypotheses suggest larger venules are preferential sites for leukocyte adhesion due to compensatory mechanisms.
- The role of white blood cell (WBC) deformability in this process requires further quantitative investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively analyze hemodynamic factors governing leukocyte-endothelium adhesion in microvasculature.
- To investigate the influence of vessel diameter and WBC deformability on adhesion dynamics.
- To test hypotheses regarding preferential adhesion sites in venules.
Main Methods:
- Direct measurement of adhesion forces in microvessels.
- Analysis of hemodynamic determinants including wall shear stress.
- Observation of WBC shape changes under varying shear stress conditions.
Main Results:
- Adhesion forces are inversely proportional to vessel diameter, decreasing in smaller venules.
- Increased wall shear stress in smaller vessels enhances WBC dispersal forces, inhibiting adhesion.
- WBC deformability significantly modifies shear stress on the WBC surface, influencing adhesion.
Conclusions:
- Hemodynamic forces, particularly wall shear stress, play a crucial role in regulating leukocyte adhesion in microvessels.
- WBC deformability is a key factor, modulating shear stress and affecting adhesion site preference.
- Adhesion is less likely in smaller venules due to increased dispersal forces and WBC shape changes.